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Changes in suicidal behavior among nation-wide general population samples across Greece
M G Madianos1, D Madianou-Gefou, C N Stefanis
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Suicidal behavior, including ideation and attempts, significantly increased in Greece over six years. Depressive symptoms were prevalent among those with suicidal behavior, highlighting the need for mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Two nationwide cross-sectional surveys in Greece examined psychosocial issues and health status.
- The studies utilized identical methodology, including personal interviews and screening instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trends in self-reported suicidal behavior (ideation and attempts) over a six-year period.
- To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in individuals reporting suicidal behavior.
- To identify social and psychiatric predictors of suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Probability samples of adults aged 20-64 years were surveyed (Study A: 4083 respondents; Study B: 3708 respondents).
- Data on suicidal behavior and depressive symptoms (using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale) were collected.
- Discriminant analysis was employed to identify predictive factors.
Main Results:
- Self-reported suicide ideation increased from 2.8% (males) and 6.8% (females) in Study A to 6.4% (males) and 14.9% (females) in Study B.
- Suicide attempts doubled from 0.27% (males) and 1.10% (females) in Study A to approximately double these proportions in Study B.
- High prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed in individuals with a history of suicidal ideation and attempts.
Conclusions:
- A significant increase in suicidal behavior was observed in the Greek adult population over a six-year interval.
- Depressive symptoms are strongly associated with suicidal behavior, underscoring the importance of mental health screening.
- Social and psychiatric factors play a crucial role in predicting suicidal behavior, necessitating targeted interventions.