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Risk factors for suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Older age, prior suicide attempts, antisocial personality, impulsivity, and depression are key risk factors for suicidal behavior in borderline personality disorder patients. Comorbid conditions like alcoholism or drug use disorders were not significant predictors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by emotional instability and impulsivity.
- Suicidal behavior is a significant concern in BPD, necessitating identification of risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for suicidal behavior in patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
- To differentiate predictors of suicide attempt history, intent, and lethality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients and DSM-III-R criteria for diagnosis.
- Collected histories of suicide attempts and characteristics using Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia interviews from 84 BPD patients.
- Related attempt data to BPD severity, comorbidity, and symptom states.
Main Results:
- 61% of patients had a history of suicide attempts, averaging 3.39 per patient.
- Attempters were older, more impulsive, and had higher rates of antisocial personality disorder and state depression.
- Prior suicide attempts strongly predicted future attempts and suicide intent; older age and hysteroid dysphoria predicted lethality.
Conclusions:
- Older age, history of suicide attempts, antisocial personality, impulsivity, and depressive moods are significant risk factors for suicidal behavior in BPD.
- Comorbid major depression, alcoholism, or drug use disorders did not distinguish attempters from non-attempters.
- Understanding these factors can aid in targeted interventions for BPD patients at risk of suicide.