New Study Could Help Predict Suicidal Attempts in Psychotic Individuals

A new study that could help to bolster suicide prevention efforts has examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adults who reported psychotic experiences. The respondents in study were found to be more likely to report //concurrent ideation and attempts than were adults without psychotic experiences. Researchers concluded that such assessment among individuals with suicidal ideation has potential clinical and public health utility in reducing the prevalence of attempts, particularly attempts with intent to die. Lead author Jordan DeVylder, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, said, "Such experiences were especially prevalent among individuals reporting severe attempts and may account for nearly one-third of attempts with intent to die in the United States annually."

DeVylder added, "People with suicidal thoughts will often report this to their healthcare providers. A current difficulty in suicide prevention is identifying who, among this group with suicidal ideation will go on to make an attempt. This study suggests that assessing for psychotic experiences may provide valuable information in predicting attempts."

Co-author Jeffrey A. Lieberman, MD, Lawrence C. Kolb Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, said, "Suicide is a complication of multiple mental disorders including mood and psychotic disorders. This study supports the clinical concern that patients with psychotic experiences are at increased risk for suicidal behavior and provides additional data on risk factors for clinicians to monitor."

The study titled 'Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among Adults with Psychotic Experiences' has been published in the journal 'JAMA Psychiatry'.

Source-Medindia