Suicide in depressive disorders: a retrospective case-control study of 127 suicides.

BACKGROUND

Depressive disorders are associated with a significant risk of suicide. Inpatient status and recent discharge from hospital have been identified as times of high risk of suicide within the course of illness.

METHOD

A matched retrospective case control study of 127 patients with depression requiring inpatient care who died by suicide as inpatients or in the 12 months following discharge from hospital. Single and multivariable conditional logistic regression identified independent risk and protective factors for suicide.

RESULTS

A history of deliberate self harm is a significant risk factor for suicide in patients with depression (OR 6.96; 95% CI 3.41-14.19), as is living alone (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.15-3.87) and paid employment (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.48-5.32). Admission to hospital during social crisis is associated with a reduction in suicide risk (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.24-0.75).

LIMITATIONS

This is a retrospective case-control study, using clinical data not originally collected for research purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

General population risk factors for suicide are less predictive of suicide in patients with depression requiring inpatient treatment. Clinicians need to be aware of factors which increase or reduce the risk of suicide in this group.