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Gemke TJ, Zwerenz R, Beutel ME, Michal M, Wiltink J, Ernst M. Inpatients with a history of suicide attempts in routine clinical care exhibit specific characteristics regarding sociodemographics, life events, personality, and symptom burden. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17712. [PMID: 39085261 PMCID: PMC11291978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that patients with a lifetime history of suicide attempts are particularly burdened. However, investigations of their characteristics and comparisons with other patients are scarce. This study aimed to fill this research gap, using routine clinical data and guided by theoretical models. Data of N = 706 patients (54.4% women) was collected at the psychosomatic inpatient/day-clinic unit of a German university clinic. It comprised sociodemographic data and information about previous experiences (e.g., childhood abuse and neglect), symptom measures (e.g., the PHQ-9) and individual differences (e.g., the level of personality functioning assessed with the OPD-SQS). Groups were compared using independent t-tests or χ2-tests. Of the total sample, 118 patients (16.7%) reported suicide attempts. Those with a history of suicide attempts were more likely to have a migration background and a lower level of education, smoke (heavily) and use illegal substances. They reported lower levels of personality functioning, more current symptoms and traumatic previous experiences of abuse and neglect. Screening for previous suicidal behavior as well as associated factors can yield valuable information for clinical practice. Many group differences map onto previously observed specific risk factors for suicidal behavior, supporting the conceptual models and underscoring their relevance among clinical populations as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Gemke
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Zwerenz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Michal
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörg Wiltink
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria.
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Wang W, Blackburn KG, Thompson RM, Bajaj K, Pedler R, Fucci K. Trauma Isn't One Size Fits All: How Online Support Communities Point to Different Diagnostic Criteria for C-PTSD and PTSD. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38342780 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2314343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Reddit has provided rich data on mental health discourse. The present study uses 40,335 online posts from Reddit communities to investigate how language can contribute to the understanding of PTSD and C-PTSD. The results showed distinct language patterns in the use of first-person pronouns, cognitive processing, and emotion words, suggesting that they are separate disorders with different effects on survivors. Further, while some social media studies have differentiated submissions and comments, few have investigated the language changes between these contexts. Post-hoc results showed a clear distinction between two contexts across several linguistic markers. Discussion and future directions are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Wang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | | | - Karishma Bajaj
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Rhea Pedler
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis
| | - Kelsie Fucci
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
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Betancur Díaz MA, Garzón Ladino AL, Vallejo Silva A, Murillo Pinto M. Factors associated with suicidal intent in economically active patients diagnosed with major depression. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2023; 52:87-92. [PMID: 37453822 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpeng.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Every 40s, one person in the world commits suicide. As such, suicide is considered a public health problem, and prior suicide attempt is one of the risk factors associated with completed suicide. Despite the strategies implemented and the studies carried out, in Colombia suicide figures are on the rise, more markedly in the economically active population. OBJECTIVE To identify the sociodemographic, family, personal, economic and religious factors associated with suicide attempt in patients of productive age (18-62 years old) in a mental health institution in Bogota, Colombia. METHODS An analytical prevalence study was conducted at the Nuestra Señora de la Paz mental health clinic in Bogota. To explore the relationship between the factors described and suicide attempt, a review of 350 medical records of the selected population was carried out. RESULTS In total, 37.7% of the sample presented a suicide attempt. Associations were found between the suicide attempt and higher education than primary school (PR=0.47 [0.23-0.97]), no economic income (PR=1.72 [1.13-2.61]), no partner (PR=2.10 [1.33-3.32]), alcohol consumption (P=.045), hallucinogen use (PR=2.39 [0.97-3.43]) and the presence of personality disorder (PR=1.93 [1.11-3.34]). CONCLUSIONS The results of the study are similar to those previously described in other studies around the world. There is a need to recognise and address various factors associated with suicide attempt in depressed patients in order to implement promotion and prevention actions, early identification and specific interventions that have an impact on the numbers of completed suicide in the country.
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Zhou C, Gao M, Shi X, Zhang Z. Suicidal behavior, depression and loneliness among college students: the role of school belonging. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022:1-7. [PMID: 35980293 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Suicide among college students, as a subgroup of young people, has received increasing attention in recent years. Exploring the determination of protective and risk factors related to suicide is imperative to understanding the reason for committing suicide and how to take action. We examined loneliness and school belonging as predictors of suicide risk (viz., suicidal behavior and depression) in college students in China by a cross-sectional study. In total, 393 college students participated in the study. The results of hierarchical regression analyses that controlled for age and sex indicated that school belonging buffers the negative effects of loneliness on suicidal behavior and depression. Evidence of a significant loneliness × school belonging interaction as a predictor of both suicidal behavior and depression was found. The present findings show that school belonging represents a positive psychological resource that should be considered in understanding suicide risk among college students in China. More attention should be given to improving the school belonging of college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfen Zhou
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Mental Health Education Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoting Shi
- Glasgow College of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuoqiu Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Hagezom HM, Gebrehiwet AB, Haftom Goytom M, Alemseged EA. Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Quarantined Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tigrai Treatment and Quarantine Centers, Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:2113-2119. [PMID: 34113138 PMCID: PMC8187031 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s289659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The global impact of COVID-19 on mental health increases from time to time. Several studies show that depression is highly prevalent among quarantined individuals. COVID-19 is a pandemic with a rapidly increasing incidence of infections and deaths. People are depressed and psychologically overwhelmed by the illness and possible loss of their friends and loved ones. Objective To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression symptoms among quarantined individuals in Tigrai treatment center, Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A multicenter Institution-based cross-sectional study was employed among individuals in the Tigrai quarantine centers. A simple random sampling technique was used between April and October 2020 until an adequate sample size was reached. Depression was assessed by using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). Epi data manager version 4.4 was used to enter data and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was carried out and an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was computed to identify factors associated with depression. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant and the strength of the association was presented by an odds ratio of 95% CI. Results The finding of the present study on the prevalence of depression among quarantined individuals was 18.1 with 95% CI (14.8–22.9). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed and factors such as being female, duration of quarantine, unemployment, and having perceived stigma were significantly associated with depression. Recommendation and Conclusion The prevalence of depression symptoms among quarantined individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic was 18.1%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being female, duration of quarantine, unemployment, and having perceived stigma were significantly associated with depression. So, clinicians, mental health professionals, and policymakers should work together to address the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haftamu Mamo Hagezom
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Tigrai, Ethiopia
| | - Ataklti Berhe Gebrehiwet
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Tigrai, Ethiopia
| | - Mekonnen Haftom Goytom
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Tigrai, Ethiopia
| | - Embaye Amare Alemseged
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Tigrai, Ethiopia
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A Comparison of Presentations with Self-Harm to Hospital in Lithuania and Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052418. [PMID: 33801303 PMCID: PMC7967553 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a serious problem globally, especially in Europe, with suicide rates varying between different countries. Self-harm is a known risk factor for dying by suicide and represents an opportunity to intervene in order to treat any associated mental illness and reduce risk. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of people presenting to hospital with self-harm at two clinical sites: Galway, Ireland and Kaunas, Lithuania. Data were obtained from the services’ database and anonymised for analysis. Over a 5-month period, 89 patients presented with self-harm at the Lithuanian site and 224 patients presented with self-harm at the Irish site. This study found significant differences in presentation, diagnosis and treatment between the two sites. All patients at the Lithuanian site were admitted to psychiatry, compared to 22% of patients at the Irish site (p < 0.001). In Lithuania, the main clinical diagnoses were adjustment disorder (37.1%) and major depression (20.2%), compared to substance misuse being the main clinical diagnosis (33.8%) in Ireland (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the prescription of psychotropic medications (which were three times more commonly prescribed at the Lithuanian site) after controlling for age, gender and psychiatric history (p < 0.001). Further research is required to understand the cultural context behind and further association between hospitalisation and future death by suicide.
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Gloger S, Martínez P, Behn A, Chacón MV, Cottin M, Diez de Medina D, Vöhringer PA. Population-attributable risk of adverse childhood experiences for high suicide risk, psychiatric admissions, and recurrent depression, in depressed outpatients. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1874600. [PMID: 34025917 PMCID: PMC8118528 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1874600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Population-attributable risk (PAR) may help estimate the potential contribution of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to serious clinical presentations of depression, characterized by suicidality, previous psychiatric admissions, and episode recurrence. Objective: To determine the PAR of ACEs for serious clinical presentations of depression (high suicide risk, previous psychiatric admissions, and recurrent depression) in outpatients with ICD-10 clinical depression. Method: Systematic chart review of 1,013 adults who were assessed and/or treated in a mental health clinic in Santiago, Chile for a major depressive episode. Data were collected on demographics and clinical characteristics of depression. Exposure to ACEs was determined with the Brief Physical and Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, assessing seven types of ACEs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between exposure to ACEs and suicidality, previous psychiatric admissions, and recurrence. Predicted probabilities were used for calculations of PAR. Results: Of the 1,001 study participants with complete data, 53.3% had recurrent depression, 13.5% had high suicide risk, and 5.0% had previous psychiatric admissions. Exposure to at least one ACE was recorded for 69.0% of the sample. Exposure to at least one ACE and specific types of ACEs (i.e. childhood sexual abuse and traumatic separation from caregiver) were associated with serious clinical presentations of depression. A dose-response relationship was observed between cumulative exposure to ACEs and the most serious clinical presentations of depression. ACEs were attributed to a significant proportion of disease: 61.6% of previous psychiatric admissions, 45.0% of high suicide risk, and 14.5% of recurrent depression. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of serious clinical presentations of depression among outpatients are associated with ACEs. Early detection of depressive episodes associated with ACEs, and tailored treatment for these patients, may potentially reduce the incidence of serious complications in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gloger
- Psicomedica, Clinical & Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental Campus Oriente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Martínez
- Psicomedica, Clinical & Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Youths, Imhay, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,CITIAPS, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alex Behn
- ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Victoria Chacón
- Psicomedica, Clinical & Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Marianne Cottin
- ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Paul A Vöhringer
- Psicomedica, Clinical & Research Group, Santiago, Chile.,ANID, Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Mood Disorders Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ernst M, Reiner I, Fieß A, Tibubos AN, Schulz A, Burghardt J, Klein EM, Brähler E, Wild PS, Münzel T, König J, Lackner KJ, Pfeiffer N, Michal M, Wiltink J, Beutel ME. Sex-dependent associations of low birth weight and suicidal ideation in adulthood: a community-based cohort study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12969. [PMID: 32737388 PMCID: PMC7395149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low birth weight (LBW; < 2,500 g) has been identified as a risk factor for adverse mental health outcomes over the life span. However, little is known about the association of LBW and suicidal ideation in middle and late adulthood. We investigated N = 8,278 participants of a representative community cohort: 3,849 men (46.5%) and 4,429 women (53.5%) (35-74 years of age). We assessed standardized measures of mental distress, sociodemographics, health behavior, and somatic factors (based on an extensive medical assessment). Controlling for these confounders, we examined the relationship of birth weight and suicidal ideation in logistic regression models. As men and women differ with regard to their susceptibility to suicidal ideation and behavior, we tested sex-dependent effects. LBW was reported by 458 participants (5.5%). In men, LBW was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting suicidal ideation (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.58-5.12). In women, there was no such relationship. The findings underscore the interrelatedness of the physical and psychological domain, the role of early adversity in suicidal ideation, and they identify a vulnerable group whose numbers are expected to grow. They also indicate other risk factors for suicidal ideation in the community (mental distress, lack of social support, and health risk behavior).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Iris Reiner
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Achim Fieß
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ana N Tibubos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schulz
- Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine - Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Juliane Burghardt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva M Klein
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp S Wild
- Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine - Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Münzel
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Center for Cardiology - Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jochem König
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 69, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Michal
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörg Wiltink
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany
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Ernst M, Brähler E, Wild PS, Jünger C, Faber J, Schneider A, Beutel ME. Risk factors for suicidal ideation in a large, registry-based sample of adult long-term childhood cancer survivors. J Affect Disord 2020; 265:351-356. [PMID: 32090759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for physical and psychosocial late effects. Previous research has attested to increased rates of suicidal ideation (SI) in CCS, an especially dangerous indicator of distress. However, little was known about risk factors of SI among CCS which go beyond illness- and treatment related variables. METHODS A registry-based sample of 916 adult long-term CCS (Mage=34.58 years [SD=5.53], Mage at diagnosis=6.15 years [SD=4.28]) underwent medical assessments and filled out questionnaires. We conducted a linear regression analysis on SI, testing predictors of different areas: sociodemographic, social, physical health and health behavior, and psychological distress symptoms. RESULTS SI was reported by 73 (8.0%) CCS and previous suicide attempts were reported by 26 (2.8%) CCS. SI was most closely related to social and psychological factors, i.e. to concurrent distress symptoms (depression, anxiety, social phobia), previous suicide attempts, current loneliness, and the present living situation. LIMITATIONS SI and previous suicide attempts were assessed using short self-report instruments. The cross-sectional study design does not allow for causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS Long-term CCS are a previously understudied, vulnerable group. Decades after having survived cancer, a considerable percentage is affected by (recurrent) SI. CCS' risk for SI is likely shaped by individual medical and psychological history, and by the current social environment and psychological comorbidities. There is a need for more interdisciplinary research and for screening efforts which take account of these factors. Interventions reducing CCS' risk of suicide should foster social integration and counteract current stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp S Wild
- Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine - Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany; Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claus Jünger
- Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine - Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörg Faber
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Hemostaseology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Astrid Schneider
- Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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