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Suicide in bipolar disorder in Finland
E T Isometsä1, M M Henriksson, H M Aro
1Department of Mental Health, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Suicides in bipolar disorder often occur during depressive or mixed states, despite recent psychiatric contact. Few patients received adequate treatment, highlighting gaps in suicide prevention for bipolar disorder patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder is a significant risk factor for suicide.
- Understanding suicide patterns in bipolar disorder is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine clinical features, treatment adequacy, and suicide methods in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- To compare suicide victims with bipolar disorder to those with unipolar major depression.
Main Methods:
- Psychological autopsy of 31 suicide victims with bipolar I disorder in Finland over 12 months.
- Comparison with unipolar major depression suicide victims.
Main Results:
- Most bipolar suicides occurred during depressive or mixed episodes.
- Despite psychiatric care, only 11% of depressed bipolar patients received adequate antidepressant doses; lithium use was low (32%).
- Bipolar suicide victims had more divorces and longer treatment histories than unipolar victims.
Conclusions:
- Suicide in bipolar disorder often happens despite recent treatment contact, indicating inadequate care.
- Males with bipolar disorder may experience earlier suicides.
- Differences in marital status and treatment history exist between bipolar and unipolar suicide victims.