Childhood abuse, adult alcohol use disorders and suicidal behaviour

Childhood abuse is linked to a variety of maladaptive outcomes that can extend far into adulthood. Two of the most significant are alcohol use disorders and suicidal ideation/behaviour. This article explores the pathway from childhood abuse to suicidal behaviour through the development of alcohol use disorders, and examines the significance of a familial history of alcohol misuse in exacerbating suicidal behaviour in adults who were abused as children. It discusses the implications of this pathway, and describes areas of focus for those who work with child abuse victims and/or patients experiencing alcohol use disorders. Practitioners working with children or adolescents who have experienced or are experiencing abuse should take a preventative approach, identifying and treating those at risk for alcohol misuse and/or suicide. Practitioners working with adults who are already abusing alcohol and/or are suicidal should work with the adult to identify and examine life events such as abuse that may be responsible. By identifying factors that have led to the misuse of alcohol and/or suicidal ideation, adults can obtain appropriate psychotherapy and deal in a more productive and beneficial manner with the pain that underlies their self-destructive impulses.     

Depressive symptoms and age of alcohol use onset interact to predict suicidal ideation

Abstract

Distal risk factors of alcohol use may increase suicidal ideation in the presence of proximal risk factors, such as depressive symptoms. We tested whether depressive symptoms and age at onset of alcohol use interact to predict suicidal ideation in 500 individuals (67% men; 68% Black/African American) under criminal justice supervision. Regression analysis revealed that age of onset negatively associated with suicidal ideation only at average and high levels of depressive symptoms while controlling for suicide attempt history. Clinicians may consider individuals with an early age of onset of alcohol use and current depressive symptoms at risk for suicidal ideation.     

Suicide risk and protective factors among youth experiencing school difficulties

Youth who experience difficulty in school are at risk for suicide, yet there is little published information specific to risk and protective factors among this group. The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth examination of risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behaviour among youth who were experiencing problems in school and to compare these factors between suicide risk and non-suicide risk subgroups. Participants were 730 high school students in the Northwest and Southwest regions of the United States, aged 14-21 years. All participants were known to be experiencing difficulty with grades and/or attendance. Students completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire and a one-on-one interview, which assessed suicidal behaviours as well as risk factors (e.g. drug involvement, emotional distress, stress), and protective factors (e.g. self-esteem, coping, support). Analysis of covariance tests, controlling for age and sex, were conducted to examine differences between the suicide risk and non-suicide risk groups on each risk and protective factor. The suicide risk subgroup reported higher levels of all risk factors, except alcohol and marijuana use, and lower levels of protective factors. While the groups did not differ on frequency of alcohol or marijuana use, they did differ on other illicit drug use and consequences of alcohol and other illicit drug use. Recommendations for nurses practising in school settings are discussed.     

Design and methods for the Better Resiliency Among Veterans and non-Veterans with Omega-3's (BRAVO) study: A double blind,placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation among adult individuals at risk of suicide

Suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the United States (U.S.). Annually, approximately 30 per 100,000 U.S. military Veterans commit suicide, compared to 14 per 100,000 U.S. civilians. Symptoms associated with suicidality can be treatment resistant and proven-effective pharmaceuticals may have adverse side-effects. Thus, a critical need remains to identify effective approaches for building psychological resiliency in at-risk individuals. Omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFAs) are essential nutrients, which must be consumed in the diet. N-3 HUFAs have been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impulsivity — which are associated with suicide risk. Here we present the design and methods for the Better Resiliency Among Veterans and non-Veterans with Omega-3's (BRAVO) study, which is a double blind, randomized, controlled trial among individuals at risk of suicide of an n-3 HUFA versus placebo supplementation in the form of all natural fruit juice beverages. The BRAVO study seeks to determine if dietary supplementation with n-3 HUFAs reduces the risk for serious suicidal behaviors, suicidal thinking, negative emotions, and symptoms associated with suicide risk. Sub-analyses will evaluate efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms, alcohol, and nicotine use. A sub-study utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate the neuropsychological and neurophysiological effects of n-3 HUFAs. We also outline selection of appropriate proxy outcome measures for detecting response to treatment and collection of ancillary data, such as diet and substance use, that are critical for interpretation of results.     

不同性别双相情感障碍患者发生自杀行为的临床特征比较研究

目的:研究双相情感障碍患者自杀行为相关因素的性别差异。方法:依据ICD-10诊断标准入组有自杀行为的双相情感障碍患者1739例和无自杀行为的双相情感障碍患者3713例,进行不同性别间各项目的比较分析,通过Logistic回归分析男、女性双相情感障碍患者自杀行为相关的危险因素。结果:男、女性伴自杀行为双相情感障碍患者在年龄、婚姻状况、职业、吸烟史、饮酒史、重大精神创伤史、入院次数等方面差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。男性伴自杀行为患者较无自杀行为者年龄更大、已婚者更多、独生子女较少、较多家族自杀史、家族精神异常史、既往自杀史,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。女性伴自杀行为者较无自杀行为者年龄更大、较多饮酒史、重大精神创伤史、家族自杀史、既往自杀史,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示,女性患者的重大精神创伤、家族自杀史、既往自杀史与发生自杀行为相关(P<0.05)。男性患者的既往有自杀史与发生自杀行为相关(P<0.01)。结论:男、女性双相情感障碍患者的自杀行为危险因素存在一定差异,区别化对待其危险因素对预防自杀有重要意义。     

Suicide in sexual minority populations: A systematic review of evidence-based studies

Sexual minority populations are exposed to more forms of distress than heterosexual individuals, thereby increasing the risk of suicidal behavior. It therefore seems surprising that suicidal behavior in sexual minorities is not sufficiently addressed in the nursing literature.The aim of this review was to integrate evidence-based knowledge and experiences related to suicide in sexual minorities into the nursing literature. This study has been conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, which contains a basic systematic screening process. Fourteen articles met the research criteria. The evaluation encompassed 4 themes: 1) Suicide attempts; 2) Thoughts of suicide; 3) Suicide attempts and completed suicide; 4) Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Most studies focused on the dimensions of attempted suicide. The key finding was that young people in sexual minority groups exhibit more suicidal ideation, more suicide attempts and are more at risk of completed suicide than heterosexual individuals. Family-centered care for young people can therefore be one of the basic principles of nursing practice. Nurses can routinely ask adolescents about their sexual orientation and identity to provide appropriate assessment and care. Additionally, nurses can use educational, counseling, case manager and therapist roles to avoid negative experiences such as homophobia, stigmatization and the discrimination of sexual minorities.     

The role of drugs and alcohol in urban minority adolescent suicide attempts

This study examined psychopathology and substance use in 15 African American adolescents who attempted suicide and 15 African American adolescents who did not attempt suicide (control group). Both groups of adolescents and their parents completed questionnaires that addressed depression, behavior problems, family functioning, and drug and alcohol use. On the basis of group means of the Children's Depression Inventory (Kovacs & Beck, 1977), the Youth Self-Report (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1987), and the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1983), the suicidal youth were found to have a significant level of depression in addition to a variety of internalizing and externalizing behavior disorders. Similarly, on the Multigating Substance Use Evaluation System (Jurkovic & Bruce, 1991), the suicidal youth were at a high risk for alcohol and drug abuse. The suicidal group reported more alcohol and drug abuse than the control group. The results indicated that suicidal African American adolescents used significant amounts of drugs and alcohol, which may be associated with suicide attempts.     

Violence and substance use in sexual minorities: Data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS)

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of substance use and the associations between adverse early life experiences, sexual behaviour and violence in sexual minority (SM) individuals.MethodsThe Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey is a probabilistic household survey performed in 2012, collecting data from 4067 Brazilians aged 14 years and older.Results3.4% of the sample declared themselves as sexual minorities, 53.8% female, 66.5% single, mean age of 29.5 years (standard deviation 16.0 years). A high prevalence of alcohol dependence (15.2%) and binge drinking (22.2%) was identified in the SM group. Respondents were more likely to use crack cocaine and hallucinogens, to have been involved in child prostitution, child sexual abuse and to report suicidal ideation in the previous year. Respondents were also more likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to non-sexual minorities. Nearly one-third referred to having suffered homophobic discrimination in their lives. Respondents also reported higher rates of domestic violence (18.9%) and urban violence (18%) among the SM.ConclusionThe findings reinforce that violence directed at individuals in the Brazilian SM community begins early in life and persists into adulthood when compared to non-sexual minorities. This population is also more exposed to substance use disorders.     

Recognizing alcohol and drug abuse in patients with eating disorders

Eating disorders and alcohol/drug abuse are frequently comorbid. Eating-disordered patients are already at an increased risk for morbidity and mortality, so alcohol and drug use pose additional dangers for these patients. Restricting anorexics, binge eaters, and bulimics appear to be distinct subgroups within the eating-disordered population, with binge eaters and bulimics more prone to alcohol and drug use. Personality traits such as impulsivity have been linked to both bulimia nervosa and substance abuse. Many researchers have proposed that an addictive personality is an underlying trait that predisposes individuals to both eating disorders and alcohol abuse. Interviewing is generally the most useful tool in diagnosing alcohol and substance abuse disorders in individuals with eating disorders. It is essential for the physician to be non-judgmental when assessing for substance abuse disorders in this population. We discuss interviewing techniques, screening instruments, physical examination, and biological tests that can be used in evaluating patients with comorbid eating disorders and substance abuse. More studies are needed to understand psychobiological mechanisms of this comorbidity, and to develop treatments for individuals with comorbid eating disorders and substance misuse.     

SUICIDE IN OLDER ADULTS: NURSING ASSESSMENT OF SUICIDE RISK

A fundamental objective of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention is the prevention of suicide in older adults, especially elderly males, because these individuals are at higher risk for suicide than any other age group. Furthermore, they are the fastest growing segment of the population. The suicide rates for older Caucasian men are particularly high. Because nurses play an important role in the identification of persons at risk for suicide, it is important that they be cognizant of the complex risk factors involved in late life suicide. Toward that end, we review the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in older adults and discuss risk factors that contribute to completed suicide in these individuals. Lastly, we discuss the role of nurses in the identification of older adults at risk for suicidal behavior so that life-saving treatment measures can be implemented.     

Suicide in older adults: nursing assessment of suicide risk

A fundamental objective of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention is the prevention of suicide in older adults, especially elderly males, because these individuals are at higher risk for suicide than any other age group. Furthermore, they are the fastest growing segment of the population. The suicide rates for older Caucasian men are particularly high. Because nurses play an important role in the identification of persons at risk for suicide, it is important that they be cognizant of the complex risk factors involved in late life suicide. Toward that end, we review the prevalence of suicidal behaviors in older adults and discuss risk factors that contribute to completed suicide in these individuals. Lastly, we discuss the role of nurses in the identification of older adults at risk for suicidal behavior so that life-saving treatment measures can be implemented.     

Evaluation and treatment of patients with suicidal ideation

Suicidal ideation is more common than completed suicide. Most persons who commit suicide have a psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Because many patients with psychiatric disorders are seen by family physicians and other primary care practitioners rather than by psychiatrists, it is important that these practitioners recognize the signs and symptoms of the psychiatric disorders (particularly alcohol abuse and major depression) that are associated with suicide. Although most patients with suicidal ideation do not ultimately commit suicide, the extent of suicidal ideation must be determined, including the presence of a suicide plan and the patient's means to commit suicide.     

Self harm and attempted suicide in adults: 10 practical questions and answers for emergency department staff

Self harm is a complex behaviour that can be best thought of as a maladaptive response to acute and chronic stress, often but not exclusively linked with thoughts of dying. Patients presenting with self harm usually have current psychosocial difficulties, are likely to be suffering from mental health problems, and are at significant risk of further self harm and suicide. Recent guidelines suggest that all self harm attendees should receive an initial risk assessment at triage in the emergency department. A more detailed mental health assessment and an assessment of psychological and social needs should then be performed by trained staff, ideally specialist mental professionals experienced in this area. Risk of subsequent suicide is particularly high in those with high unresolved suicidal intent, depressive disorder, chronic alcohol and drug misuse, social isolation, and current physical illness. Patients with one or more of these risk factors should be offered enhanced care that may include inpatient or outpatient follow up care, a list of local support resources, and, where possible, self help material. Frequent repeaters, those with alcohol and substance use problems, those with physical or mental illness, and those who are isolated also require input from specialist mental health professionals. It is also recommended that adolescents and elderly people warrant a mandatory specialist assessment.     

Research endeavours into suicide: a need to shift the emphasis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2002), approximately one million people died as a result of suicide in the year 2000. Perhaps more worrisome, evidence provided by the WHO (2002) indicates that the global rate of suicide has continued to rise since 1950. Consequently, suicide should be regarded as a global problem and one that is increasing in magnitude. Drawing predominantly on policy and empirical literature emanating from Canada and the UK, this article will show that, despite a substantial research effort and the production of an associated literature, suicide rates continue to rise in the example countries. Even given the existence of numerous positivistically oriented studies, and the introduction of a range of strategies to help prevent suicide, significant reductions in suicide rates have not been achieved. Similarly, while there exists a substantial literature on the issue of suicide, there are many gaps in our knowledge and our understanding of the experiences, and the meanings attributed to these experiences that motivate people to attempt suicide is far from complete. Accordingly, the author argues that there is an urgent need to better understand the particular life experiences and the meanings that individuals attach to suicidal experiences. In order to design interventions to help reduce the suicide rate, whether these are interventions at the pre-primary, primary or secondary level of care, it is argued that it is necessary to gain a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of this highly complex behaviour. Consequently, this article makes the case for the use of hermeneutic, phenomenological investigations, in order to further elucidate the lived experiences of people who have attempted suicide.     

Drug use and reported suicide ideation and attempt among Kosovar adolescents

Abstract

Suicide among adolescents continues to be a serious problem. Studies have found that substance use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is associated with suicide ideation and attempts. An article also analyzed gender differences in terms of suicide ideation and suicide attempts by considering substance use factors separately for males and females. The article is based on the data collected for the 2011 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), which was carried out in 42 secondary schools in Kosovo. A total of 4709 students born in 1995 and 1996 were surveyed according to ESPAD methodology. Logistic regression results indicate that cannabis use during the last 30 days was strongly associated with suicide attempts for both males and females. Frequency of alcohol consumption over the last 30 days was also associated with suicide ideation and attempts. The lifetime use of illegal drugs (amphetamines, ecstasy or hallucinogenic) was highly associated with suicide ideation for males but not for females. Findings show gender differences in suicide ideation; females reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts (9%) than males (6.3%). On the other hand, there were no gender differences for lifetime self-reported suicide attempt rates (3.4%). Findings from this article have a major relevance for youth suicide prevention strategies and action plans, emphasizing that not only the illegal drugs but also legal drugs such as, tranquilizers and alcohol are strongly associated with suicide ideation and attempts.     

Prevalence of problem drinking and characteristics of a single-question screen

Hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders (i.e, abuse and dependence) are common in Emergency Departments (EDs). This study examined 1) the prevalence of these conditions among ED patients and 2) characteristics of a single screening question (having consumed at least five drinks for males or four for females during a single day). Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions were analyzed. Logistic regression for clustered data was used to estimate the relative risk for past-year ED use associated with hazardous drinking, abuse, and dependence. Contingency tables were analyzed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the single-question screen for detecting these conditions. Hazardous drinking was not associated with ED utilization. Alcohol abuse was associated with a relative risk of 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-1.5) and alcohol dependence with a relative risk of 1.9 (95% CI 1.6-2.2). For current drinkers, the single question screen was 0.96, 0.85, and 0.90 sensitive for hazardous drinking, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence, respectively. Individuals with a positive screen in the past year were considered at least hazardous drinkers, and specificity was 0.80, 0.64, and 0.65 for hazardous drinking, abuse, and dependence, respectively. Specificity was modestly increased in women. Most problem drinkers were hazardous drinkers, but only severe alcohol use disorders were particularly prevalent in the ED. The single heavy-drinking-day item appears sensitive for problem drinking. Positive tests must be followed by additional assessment to differentiate hazardous drinking from alcohol use disorders.     

Suicidality and mood disorders in psychiatric emergency patients: Results from SBQ-R

Patients with mood disorders are at high risk of suicidality, and emergency departments (ED) are essential in the management of this risk. This study aims to (1) describe the suicidal thoughts and behaviours of patients with mood disorders who come to ED; (2) assess the psychometric properties of the Suicidal Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) in a psychiatric ED; and (3) determine the best predictors of suicidality for these patients. A total of 300 participants with mood disorders recruited for the Signature Bank of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (IUSMM) were retained. Suicidality was assessed using the SBQ-R. Other clinical and demographic details were recorded. Bivariate analyses, correlations and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. SBQ-R's internal consistency, construct and convergent validities were also tested. In the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 53.3% of the sample stated they had suicidal or self-harm thoughts in the last 2 weeks. The mean score obtained at the SBQ-R was 8.3. Multivariate analysis found that SBQ-R scores were associated with depressive symptoms and substance use, especially alcohol, accounting for 44.3% of the model variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81 [0.78, 0.84] and factor loadings for items 1–4 were 0.68, 0.88, 0.54, and 0.85, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit the data well. The SBQ-R is a brief and valid instrument that can easily be used in busy emergency departments to assess suicide risk. Depressive symptoms and alcohol use shall also be assessed, as they are determinants of increased risk of suicidality.     

Gender issues in youth suicidal behaviour

There are gender differences in youth suicidal behaviour that are evident in childhood and persist throughout adolescence and young adulthood. In Western countries, young females are twice as likely as males to report suicidal ideation and suicide attempt behaviour. However, despite the fact that females make more suicide attempts, males are three‐ to fourfold more likely to die by suicide than females. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence for gender differences in suicidal ideation, attempted suicide and completed suicide among young people and explores possible reasons for the observed differences. These reasons include differences in methods, intent, ascertainment, the cultural acceptability of suicide, psychopathology (including substance abuse, mood disorder, externalizing behaviours and propensity to violence), and psychosocial differences between males and females. While it is often suggested that gender differences in youth suicidal behaviour may be explained solely or predominantly by method choice, careful examination suggests that the issues are much more complex. In fact, females may enjoy more protection from suicide than males in a number of areas. See Commentary, page 8.