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Identifying suicidal ideation in general medical patients
L Cooper-Patrick1, R M Crum, D E Ford
1Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
JAMA
|December 14, 1994
Summary
A brief screening questionnaire can effectively identify general medical patients experiencing suicidal ideation. This tool aids in early detection, improving patient care and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Suicidal ideation is a significant concern in general medical settings.
- Identifying patients with suicidal ideation is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize general medical patients with suicidal ideation.
- To develop an efficient clinical strategy for identifying these patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area surveys.
- Interviewed 6041 individuals receiving care in general medical settings.
- Developed a four-item Suicidal Ideation Screening Questionnaire using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 2.6% of patients reported suicidal ideation in the past year.
- Sociodemographic factors associated with suicidal ideation included being white, separated/divorced, and aged 18-50.
- Major depression, panic disorder, alcohol disorder, and phobic disorder were associated with suicidal ideation.
- The four-item screen showed increasing likelihood ratios with positive responses to hopelessness, guilt, depressed mood, and sleep disturbance symptoms.
Conclusions:
- A brief, four-item screening questionnaire can identify general medical patients at high risk for suicidal ideation.
- This screening approach may offer greater sensitivity than identifying ideation solely in patients with distinct psychiatric disorders.