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Zinchuk M, Kustov G, Beghi M, Bryzgalova Y, Sviatskaia E, Popova S, Voinova N, Terentieva M, Yakovlev A, Guekht A. Suicide risk in patients with a current depressive episode during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1343323. [PMID: 38726385 PMCID: PMC11079814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1343323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on suicidality in these patients during the pandemic period remain scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and variables associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. All patients completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) (including the suicidality module), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and underwent a semi-structured interview to collect relevant demographic and clinical data. Effect sizes for all independent variables and covariates were calculated using partial eta-squared (ηp2). Results Of the 6757 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders assessed, 1605 (23.7%) had MDD confirmed by the M.I.N.I., of whom 17.8% were at serious risk for suicide according to the M.I.N.I. suicidality module. Factors independently associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the pandemic were younger age (ηp2 = 0.021), greater severity of depression (0.038), higher state anxiety (0.003), and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (0.066). The same variables, except for state anxiety, were independently associated with suicide risk in the subgroup of MDD patients previously infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion In the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of patients with MDD at serious risk of suicide was similar to pre-pandemic data. No associations were found between suicidality in patients with MDD and COVID-related factors. Younger age, greater severity of depression, and especially NSSI were the most significant risk factors for suicide in patients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii Kustov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Massimiliano Beghi
- Department of Mental Health, azienda unità sanitaria locale (AUSL) Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Yulia Bryzgalova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Sofya Popova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Voinova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Terentieva
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Yakovlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Prokopovich G. Connection of Suicidal Behavior with COVID-19: Clinical Cases. CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2022; 3:111-117. [PMID: 39045118 PMCID: PMC11262100 DOI: 10.17816/cp170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of the coronavirus infection has led to significant changes in people's lives. Prolonged isolation, fear of infection, frustration, changing the usual stereotype life style, lack of information, loss of revenues, and fear of stigmatization, as well as the disease itself have all influenced people's emotional and physical well-being. The impact of the viral infection itself on the human body, as well as the perception of a new reality, in some cases led to the formation of reactive, organic, or the exacerbation of existing chronic mental disorders. People with mental health problems are most susceptible to environmental influences and react acutely to rapidly changing circumstances. Often in critical situations, in a state of despair, patients see only one way to solve all problems - voluntary retirement committing taking own life. In this article, we present clinical cases that are descriptive in nature and are intended to illustrate the connection between depressive experiences and suicidal behavior amongst patients in a crisis situation when external circumstances were the reason for suicide attempts: loneliness as a result of restrictive measures, fear of infection or the disease itself, and the reason was a mental disorder that debuted earlier or re-emerged as a result of a viral infection. We have presented three clinical cases. All patients suffered from a new coronavirus infection of various severities and were treated in a psychiatric hospital, where they were transferred from an infectious diseases hospital or hospitalized directly in connection with suicidal actions. In each case, attention was paid to the organizational measures carried out, with an emphasis on the need for earlier screening of mental disorders, prevention of suicidal behavior in providing assistance to this contingent, and the development of the interaction between general medical and psychiatric services by the type of integrative care. The study is of interest to a wide range of specialists providing care to patients with COVID-19 or similar pathologies.
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Bednarova A, Hlavacova N, Pecenak J. Analysis of Motives and Factors Connected to Suicidal Behavior in Patients Hospitalized in a Psychiatric Department. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106283. [PMID: 35627820 PMCID: PMC9141087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the motives and factors connected to suicidal behavior in 121 hospitalized patients with intentional self-harm (diagnosis X 60-81 according to the ICD-10); (2) Methods: Suicidal behavior of the patient was assessed from data obtained by psychiatric examinations and by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Analysis of data to identify the patients’ reason and motives behind suicidal behavior in a group of patients with a suicide attempt (SA, n = 80) and patients with Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior (NSSIB, n = 41) was carried out; (3) Results: Results showed that patients with affective disorder have a 19-times higher rate of SA against other diagnoses. Patients with personality disorders have a 32-times higher rate of NSSIB than patients with other diagnoses. Living alone and the absence of social support increased the likelihood of SA. Qualitative data analysis of patients’ statements showed different themes in the justification of motives for suicidal behavior between SA and NSSIB cases. Significant differences were shown for non-communicated reasons, loneliness, social problems, extortion, and distress; (4) Conclusions: The evaluation of patients’ verbal statements by qualitative analysis during the psychiatric examination should be considered in clinical practice. It should be considered to include self-poisoning in the criteria of the Non-suicidal Self-Injury diagnostic categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Bednarova
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of L. Pasteur Kosice, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 04011 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Natasa Hlavacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan Pecenak
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University, 81369 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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Zinchuk M, Beghi M, Beghi E, Bianchi E, Avedisova A, Yakovlev A, Guekht A. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Russian Patients with Suicidal Ideation. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:776-800. [PMID: 33108991 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1833801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is recognized as a public health concern for its association with unfavorable outcomes, including suicidal behavior. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with NSSI among patients with nonpsychotic mental disorders (NPMD) and suicidal ideation in Russia. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry between November 2017 and May 2019. The sample was composed of consecutive patients with lifetime suicidal ideation (from the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behavior Interview) seen in the center's psychiatric ward for NPMD. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without lifetime NSSI. Sociodemographic variables, psychiatric diagnosis, family history of mental disorders, history of physical or sexual abuse, sexual behavior, ad-hoc psychiatric treatments, suicidal ideation, plans, and gestures or attempts were investigated. RESULTS Six thousand, two hundred and four consecutive patients were screened for suicidal ideation. Out of a total of 361 patients (87.3% females) with suicidal ideation, 217 (60.1%) reported NSSI. Variables independently associated with NSSI included age <25 years (OR 6.0, CI 2.5-14.7), dissatisfaction with the perceived parenting style (OR 3.3, CI 1.5-7.4), bullying (OR 2.6, CI 1.0-6.5), severe body modifications (OR 11.9, CI 1.1-134.3), experience with illicit drugs (OR 4.4, CI 1.9-10.3), and eating disorders (OR 4.9, CI 2.0-11.8). LIMITATIONS Retrospective design, referral population, single center study, and exclusion of psychotic patients. CONCLUSIONS NSSI is associated with age <25 years old, dissatisfaction with perceived parenting style, bullying, severe body modifications, lifetime experience of illicit drug-use, and lifetime eating disorders.HIGHLIGHTSNonsuicidal self-injury is a significant public health concern for its association with suicidal behavior.60.1% of Russian patients with non-psychotic mental disorders (NPMD) and suicidal ideation reported lifetime NSSI.NSSI in Russian patients with NPMD and suicidal ideation is associated with age less than 25 years, dissatisfaction with perceived parenting style, bullying, severe body modifications, lifetime experience of illicit drug use, and lifetime eating disorders.
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Andersson HW, Lilleeng SE, Ruud T, Ose SO. Suicidal ideation in patients with mental illness and concurrent substance use: analyses of national census data in Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:1. [PMID: 34983462 PMCID: PMC8725289 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03663-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal ideation may signal potential risk for future suicidal behaviors and death. We examined the prevalence of recent suicidal ideation in patients with mental illness and concurrent substance use and explored the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with suicidal ideation in this patient subgroup, which represents a particular risk group for adverse psychiatric outcomes. METHODS We used national cross-sectional census data in Norway collected from 25,525 patients in specialized mental health services. The analytic sample comprised 3,842 patients with concurrent substance use, defined as having a co-morbid substance use disorder or who reported recent regular alcohol use/occasional illicit drug use. Data included suicidal ideation measured in relation to the current treatment episode, sociodemographic characteristics and ICD-10 diagnoses. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine differential characteristics between patients with and without suicidal ideation. RESULTS The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 25.8%. The suicidal ideation rates were particularly high for those with personality disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression, and for alcohol and sedatives compared with other substances. Patients with suicidal ideation were characterized by being younger, having single marital status, and having poorly perceived social relationships with family and friends. CONCLUSION Suicidal ideation in patients with mental illness and concurrent substance use was associated with a number of distinct characteristics. These results might help contribute to an increased focus on a subgroup of individuals at particular risk for suicidality and support suicide prevention efforts in specialized mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Wessel Andersson
- Department of Research and Development, Clinic of Substance Use and Addiction Medicine, St. Olavs University Hospital, PB 3250 Sluppen, 7006, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Solfrid E. Lilleeng
- grid.461584.a0000 0001 0093 1110Department of Analysis and Performance Assessment, The Norwegian Directorate of Health, Holtermanns vei 70, 7031 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torleif Ruud
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XAkershus University Hospital, Mental Health Services, PB 1000 1478 Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PB 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig Osborg Ose
- grid.4319.f0000 0004 0448 3150Department of Health, SINTEF, Professor Brochs gate 2, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
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Kassem M, Haddad C, Hallit S, Kazour F. Impact of spirituality and religiosity on suicidal risk among a sample of lebanese psychiatric in-patients. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2021; 25:336-343. [PMID: 32644837 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1787453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of suicidality among the psychiatric inpatients community in Lebanon, and to elucidate the effect of religiosity and spirituality on suicidal thoughts or behaviours. METHODS A total sample of 159 patient consecutively admitted to a psychiatric hospital was interviewed. The Ask Suicide-screening Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess suicidal risk; the Mature Religiosity Scale (MRS) and the Spirituality Index for Well Being (SIWB) scales were used to assess religiosity and spirituality. RESULTS We found that 45.6% of the participants screened positively on the ASQ, including 37.5% with acute suicidal ideation. A backward logistic regression, taking the negative/positive screening ASQ as the dependent variable, showed that a positive family history of suicide and depression were significantly associated with higher positive suicidal screening, whereas higher spirituality was significantly associated with lower positive suicidal screening. When forcing the mature religiosity scale as an independent variable, the results remained the same. CONCLUSION Spiritual well-being might be considered an important factor to explore among psychiatric patients. Psychiatric inpatients have a high risk for suicide; the challenge remains for clinicians to identify upon admission patients that are most likely to die from suicide.Key pointsA positive family history of suicide and depression was significantly associated with higher suicidality.Higher spirituality, but not religiosity, was significantly associated with lower suicidality.Spiritual well-being might be considered an important factor to explore among psychiatric patients.The challenge remains for clinicians to identify patients that are most likely to die from suicide upon admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Kassem
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.,Univ. Limoges, UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Francois Kazour
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon.,Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Rezvy G, Andreeva E, Ryzhkova N, Yashkovich V, Sørlie T. Integrating mental health into primary care in Arkhangelsk County, Russia: the Pomor model in psychiatry. Int J Ment Health Syst 2019; 13:14. [PMID: 30911330 PMCID: PMC6416943 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-019-0271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary health care is still peripheral in the identification and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in the Russian Federation. However, the development of primary health services has been given priority. A long-standing collaboration between Arkhangelsk County and northern Norway on mental health service development in Arkhangelsk has promoted the integration of mental health into primary care. Aim To develop a model for mental health integration into primary care adapted to the conditions in Arkhangelsk County. Methods (a) Situational assessment, (b) development of a model for systematic cooperation between GPs and specialists, (c) initial evaluation of the model, (d) implementation and dissemination of the model. Results A local studies revealed major shortcomings in GPs’ diagnostic and treatment skills and in their collaboration with specialists in psychiatry. In order to promote better communication between GPs and specialists in this desolate and sparsely populated geographical area, an information communication technology (ICT)-based competence centre was established at a specialised community mental health centre in Arkhangelsk city (APND). Through a network including APND and involved primary health care centres, GPs gained access to specialists’ expertise when required in their work with psychiatric patients. GPs assess all patients’ mental health condition and treatment responsibility for patients in need of mental health care is divided between GPs and specialists according to problem severity. APND has the formal responsibility for ensuring that this collaboration with the health centres is established and practiced. Training in diagnostics and conversation skills ensures basic professional competence in the GPs. Initial evaluation showed that patients, GPs and specialists were satisfied with their experiences. The model is currently under implementation in 50% of the districts of the county. Conclusion Our cooperation has led to the development and implementation of a model for mental health care integration into primary care in an area with major geographical distances. Further improvements will be based on systematic evaluation of experiences with the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory Rezvy
- Finnmark Hospital Trust, Kirkenes, Norway.,2University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | | | - Vera Yashkovich
- Arkhangelsk Psychoneurological Dispenser, Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tore Sørlie
- 2University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,6Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Age at onset of first suicide attempt: Exploring the utility of a potential candidate variable to subgroup attempters. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 37:40-45. [PMID: 30107315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to explore the utility of age at first suicide attempt in identifying subgroups of suicide attempters. METHODS In a retrospective study design, we collected information from the clinical charts of 895 patients assessed over a seven-year period. Admixture analysis was used to determine the best fitting theoretical model for distribution of age at first attempt that divided the sample. Subsequently, multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables that distinguished the subgroups identified. RESULTS The theoretical solution that best explained the observed distribution of age at first suicide attempt was a mixture of two Gaussian distributions with a cut-off of 31 years for the two subgroups. In logistic regression analysis, male gender (Odds ratios [OR] 3.047, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.818-5.106), fewer years of formal schooling (OR 3.384, 95% CI 1.701-6.734) and being married (OR 23.36, 95% CI 10.753-50.000), were more commonly associated with the late onset subgroup (age at first attempt >31 years). Further, the late onset subgroup had poorer global functioning (OR 0.980, 95% CI 0.962 to 0.998). CONCLUSION Age at onset of first suicide attempt is a useful candidate marker to delineate an early and late onset subgroup among suicide attempters. These results are likely to inform customization of suicide prevention strategies.
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Zhang XK, Procter NG, Xu Q, Chen XY, Lou FL. Factors influencing suicidal ideation among Chinese patients with stomach cancer: qualitative study. Int Nurs Rev 2016; 64:413-420. [PMID: 27995609 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the influencing factors of suicidal ideation in Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. INTRODUCTION More recently, links have been made between suicide and cancer. For inpatients with cancer, nurses are at the front line to cope with suicidal issues in clinical settings. METHOD This study was part of a larger study that investigated psychological strains and related factors associated with suicidal ideation. Thirty-two patients with stomach cancer participated in a face-to-face interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. FINDINGS Four themes were identified as protective factors against suicidal ideation: suicidal denial and fears of stigmatization; positive coping skills; family connectedness; and desire to live well and longer. DISCUSSION Consistent with previous research, these four protective factors may encourage participants to think more positively about life and cancer. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest four protective factors for targeted suicide prevention, which may play an important role in future suicide-prevention programmes for Chinese patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses may help reduce patients' risk for suicidal ideation more effectively by discussing beliefs, family and meaning in life perspectives, as well as offering health education about positive coping skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHY POLICY Clinical nurses, hospitals and the government should work collaboratively with each other. It is suggested that Chinese national guidelines for working with the high-risk suicide populations should be considered within a future mental health working plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- X K Zhang
- School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - N G Procter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Q Xu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - X Y Chen
- School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - F L Lou
- School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Norheim AB, Grimholt TK, Loskutova E, Ekeberg O. Attitudes toward suicidal behaviour among professionals at mental health outpatient clinics in Stavropol, Russia and Oslo, Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:268. [PMID: 27465292 PMCID: PMC4964267 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attitudes toward suicidal behaviour can be essential regarding whether patients seek or are offered help. Patients with suicidal behaviour are increasingly treated by mental health outpatient clinics. Our aim was to study attitudes among professionals at outpatient clinics in Stavropol, Russia and Oslo, Norway. METHODS Three hundred and forty-eight (82 %) professionals anonymously completed a questionnaire about attitudes. Professionals at outpatient clinics in Stavropol (n = 119; 94 %) and Oslo (n = 229; 77 %) were enrolled in the study. The Understanding Suicidal Patients (USP) scale (11 = positive to 55 = negative) and the Attitudes Towards Suicide Scale (ATTS) (1 = totally disagree, 5 = totally agree) were used. Questions about religious background, perceived competence and experiences of and views on suicidal behaviour and treatment (0 = totally disagree, 4 = totally agree) were examined. RESULTS All groups reported positive attitudes, with significant differences between Stavropol and Oslo (USP score, 21.8 vs 18.7; p < 0.001). Professionals from Stavropol vs. Oslo reported significantly less experience with suicidal patients, courses in suicide prevention (15 % vs 79 %) guidelines in suicidal prevention (23 % vs 90 %), interest for suicide prevention (2.0 vs 2.7; p < 0.001), and agreed more with the ATTS factors: avoidance of communication on suicide (3.1 vs 2.3; p < 0.001), suicide is acceptable (2.9 vs 2.6; p = 002), suicide is understandable (2.9 vs 2.7; p = 0.012) and (to a lesser extent) suicide can be prevented (4.2 vs 4.5; p < 0.001). In both cities, psychiatric disorders (3.4) were considered as the most important cause of suicide. Use of alcohol (2.2 vs 2.8; p < 0.001) was considered less important in Stavropol. Psychotherapy was considered significant more important in Stavropol than Oslo (3.6 vs 3.4; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Professionals reported positive attitudes towards helping suicidal patients, with significant differences between cities. A need for further education was reported in both cities, but education was less integrated in mental health care in Stavropol than it was in Oslo. In both cities, psychiatric disorders were considered the major reasons for suicide, and psychotherapy was the most important treatment measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Berge Norheim
- Diakonhjemmet hospital, Postboks 23, Vinderen, Oslo, 0319, Norway. .,Regional Centre of Violence Traumatic stress and suicide Prevention Eastern Norway, RVTS-East, Postboks 4623, Nydalen, Oslo, 0405, Norway.
| | - Tine K. Grimholt
- Regional Centre of Violence Traumatic stress and suicide Prevention Eastern Norway, RVTS-East, Postboks 4623, Nydalen, Oslo 0405 Norway ,Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Pb 4965, Nydalen, Oslo 0424 Norway
| | - Ekaterina Loskutova
- Ekaterina Loskutova, ProPsy, Lermontova str. 239/4, ofice 18, Stavropol, 355041 Russia
| | - Oivind Ekeberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addicion, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4956, Nydalen, Oslo 0424 Norway ,Department of Behavioral Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Oslo, Pb 10/2 Blindern, Oslo, N-0316 Norway
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Psychological Distress Increases Perceived Stigma Toward Attempted Suicide Among Those With a History of Past Attempted Suicide. J Nerv Ment Dis 2016; 204:194-202. [PMID: 26751731 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
People who suffer from mental illness have high self-stigmatizing attitudes. This study aims to test the effect of psychopathological distress on stigma toward attempted suicide in a population of suicide attempters. Data were collected through an interview and 2 questionnaires (90-item Symptom Checklist; Stigma of Suicide Attempt scale) administered to 67 patients hospitalized after an attempted suicide. Participants with a history of past attempted suicide had higher scores on the Stigma of Suicide Attempt scale (t58.9 = -2.51, p = 0.014). Higher levels of psychological distress were related to greater perceived stigma only in individuals with a history of past attempted suicide (standardized coefficient = 0.37; t = 2.36; p = 0.024; R2 = 14%; adjusted R2 = 11.5%). A previous experience of attempted suicide is related to greater self-stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal behavior. Among those who have previously attempted suicide in particular, psychopathological distress may significantly contribute to increase the perception of stigma.
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