Factors associated with suicidal attempt in bipolar disorder patients

Abstract

Objective To determine factors associated with suicidal attempt in bipolar patients.

Materials and methods This cross-sectional analytical study determined various factors namely demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and social factors of bipolar disorder patient received medical care from Suanprung Hospital during January 2007 to January 2009. Data were collected from medical records. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis including univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results Of all 213 bipolar patients, female accounted for 59.6%, average age 39.8 years old, being married 43.2%, agriculturer or laborer 37.6%, educated in high school level 43.7%, and had prior suicidal attempted 32.9%. At the present visit, 53 patients had suicidal attempt (24.9%). Method used the most for suicidal attempt was taking over dose of medication. Factors statistically significantly associated with suicidal attempt were as followed; a group diagnosed with psychosis, a group with 10-29 years of age, patients who had prior suicidal attempted before, unemployed, and receiving mood stabilizers medication; lithium or lithium plus other medications. However, patients with psychotic symptoms such as hallucination had suicidal attempted less than those who did not have these symptoms.

Conclusion Factors associated with suicidal attempt in bipolar disorder patients were being in a group diagnosed with psychosis, 10-29 years old, being unemployed, having prior suicidal attempt, using mood stabilizers, lithium or lithium along with other medication. However, having psychotic symptoms at an index date was found to be a protective factor.