Prevalence of Suicidality and its Association with Quality of Life in Older Patients with Clinically Stable Psychiatric Disorders in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aims The pattern of suicidality in older patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic is not clear. This study examined the prevalence of suicidality and its association with quality of life (QOL) among older clinically stable patients with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from May 22 to July 15, 2020, among four major tertiary psychiatric hospitals in China. Suicidality was assessed by asking 3 standardized questions. Depressive symptoms, pain, and QOL were assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-brief version, respectively. Results A total of 1063 clinically stable patients participated and completed the assessment. The prevalence of suicidality was 11.8% (95% CI: 9.9%–13.7%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that poor treatment adherence (P = .009, OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17–2.96) and perceived illness worsening during the COVID-19 outbreak (P = .02, OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.15–3.73), being diagnosed with major depressive disorder (P < .001, OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.68–4.64), PHQ-9 total score (P < .001, OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15–1.24) and NPRS total score (P = .002, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29) were associated with higher risk of suicidality. After controlling for covariates, older psychiatric patients with suicidality had lower QOL compared to those without (F(1, 1063) =16.5, P<.001). Conclusions Suicidality was common in older patients with clinically stable psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering its negative impact on QOL and personal suffering, routine screening and preventive suicide measures should be implemented for older psychiatric patients.

Suicidality and Its Association with Stigma in Clinically Stable Patients with Schizophrenia in Rural China

“…Patients are deemed "suicidal" if they respond "yes" to any one of these three questions. 14 Here, recall bias was greatly decreased by only inquiring about recent suicide ideation rather than lifetime suicidal ideation. 16…”

“…The following eligibility requirements for inclusion and exclusion must be met by all participants. The inclusion criteria include: (1) The participant had a diagnosis of schizophrenia based on ICD-10; (2) Between the ages of 18 and 75; (3) The participants' state right now is essentially stable: Patients in this research were deemed clinically stable if they had experienced less than a 50% change in their psychiatric medication during the previous three months; 14 (4) Capable of providing written information that is informed by the assessment's objective and substance; (5) Living in rural areas of Chaohu. Exclusion criteria included: (1) Acute risk of alcohol, substance dependence, or violence; (2) Schizoaffective disorder, paranoid psychosis, bipolar disorder, mental disorders due to epilepsy, and mental retardation with mental disorders; (3) Serious physical disorders with a high risk of death; (4) Pregnant or lactating patients.…”

Aging and the COVID-19 pandemic: The inter-related roles of biology, physical wellbeing, social norms and global health systems

“…Overwhelming J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f evidence soon emerged from numerous studies based on middle and high-income countries worldwide indicating a deterioration of mental health, physical health, quality of life, and general wellbeing among the elderly amidst strict lockdown [25,29]. The inability of the immediate family members to visit led to alienation and psychological breakdown [25,26,29], and in some cases, suicide [30,31].…”