Psychosocial factors associated with suicidal ideation in clinical patients with depression

Background

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide, but few studies have examined psychosocial risk factors for suicide in clinical patients with depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate psychosocial factors which could be associated with suicidal ideation in clinical patients with depression including: sick-leave, help-seeking behavior, and reluctance to admit mental health problems.

Methods

A multi-center cross-sectional survey using self-report questionnaire was conducted at 54 outpatient psychiatric clinics in Tokyo in 2012. Adult outpatients who were diagnosed by psychiatrists as mood disorders (F30–F39) in the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) were included in the study. Those who met the criteria for current hypomanic or manic episode were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 189 patients with depression participated in the survey. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that taking sick-leave and having sought help from family were associated with decreased odds of current suicidal ideation. Moderate or more severe depression was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation, and reluctance to admit own mental health problem tended to increase odds of suicidal ideation.

Limitations

Living status and suicidal ideation before consultation with psychiatrist were not investigated. Severity of suicidal ideation and comorbid psychiatric disorders were not assessed.

Conclusions

Importance of treatment of more severe depression for suicide prevention was confirmed. Industrial health staffs should consider the possibility of positive effect of taking sick-leave when they see employees with depression. Promoting help-seeking for family and reducing stigma of mental illness may be effective for suicide prevention.