Suicide risk factors in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

Abstract

Suicidal behavior in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder is a major public health problem that remains understudied. Most research on suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder has been conducted in older adolescents and adults and is limited by retrospective design. Although preliminary research suggests that the early onset of bipolar disorder is associated with increased suicide risk, few studies have prospectively examined the effects of prior suicidal behavior, clinical course, comorbid psychiatric disorders, familial suicidality, and psychosocial factors on suicidal behavior in bipolar youths. More systematic research is needed to better understand suicidal behavior in bipolar children and adolescents. Increased knowledge of the risk factors that contribute to suicidal behavior should lead to better prevention and treatment.

Risk of suicide attempt in asthmatic children and young adults prescribed leukotriene-modifying agents: A nested case-control study

“…In addition to the variables used to match cases and control subjects, we assessed comorbidities (through ICD-9-CM codes) that could have been associated with a higher risk of SAs, including substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, other mental disorders, HIV/AIDS, malignant neoplasm/cancer, epilepsy, irritable bowel disease, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, renal disease, lupus, chronic pain, and allergic rhinitis. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] We also identified both previous SAs and previous psychological counseling (> _2 visits based on Current Procedural Terminology 4 codes). Because certain medications have been associated with increased risk of suicide, we also assigned these as covariates based on pharmacy claims and associated National Drug Codes based on current or past use.…”

Cognitive and family correlates of current suicidal ideation in children with bipolar disorder

“…The unique symptoms of PBD are associated with devastating consequences: PBD confers the highest risk for, and mortality from, suicide of all childhood disorders. Completed suicide rates for individuals with bipolar disorder are 15-times greater than the general population (Jamison, 2000), and early illness onset is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts (Jolin et al, 2007). Moreover, up to 50% of youth with bipolar disorder attempt suicide by age 18 (Lewinsohn, 2003).…”

Bipolarity and suicidal ideation in children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis

“…Some characteristics are statistically significant for the development of suicidal ideation, such as history of self-harmful behavior (OR = 2.45); psychiatric hospitalizations (OR = 2.48); mixed episodes (OR = 2.08); and psychosis (OR = 1.75) [23]. In general, the early beginning of BD in children and adolescents is associated with the increase of suicidal ideation risk if compared to the development in the adult phase [24].…”

“…Higher rates of suicidal ideation are found in adolescents who live in an unfavorable family environment. Therefore, the focus of treatment is no longer directed only to the patient, but also to the family integrally [23]. …”