Prevalence of suicidal behavior in bipolar type 1 patients

TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence of suicidal behavior in bipolar type 1 patients in Tunisia and identifies associated factors.

Contribution

The study provides insights into socio-demographic and clinical profiles linked to suicidal behavior in bipolar type 1 patients in a specific hospital setting.

Findings

10% of bipolar type 1 patients had attempted suicide, with 50% of attempts occurring during depressive episodes.

There was a significant correlation between suicide attempts and a family history of suicide (p=0.049).

Poor treatment compliance and lack of insight were common among the patients.

Abstract

The prevalence of suicidal behavior in individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 is a topic of great concern within the field of psychiatry and mental health research. Bipolar Disorder Type 1 is characterized by extreme mood fluctuations that can contribute to a heightened risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and completions in affected individuals.

To examine the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of Bipolar Type 1 patients admitted to the “C” psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia.To identify and understand the factors associated with suicidal behavior in this population.

To examine the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of Bipolar Type 1 patients admitted to the “C” psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia.

To identify and understand the factors associated with suicidal behavior in this population.

We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytic study of hospitalized patients suffering from bipolar disorder type 1 in the psychiatry department “C”, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax Tunisia from 2021 to 2023. Socioeconomic data and clinical profiles of patients were collected from archived files.

The total number of patients was 98, with an average age of 36.74 ± 12.3 years. The majority were single (67%), living with their families (76.5%), jobless (45.9%), and receiving family support (94.9%). In terms of psychoactive substance use, 81.6% have used tobacco, 46.9% have used alcohol, and 34.7% have used cannabis.

Concerning family history, 55% of patients had at least one family member being treated for a mood disorder. Among them, 7.1% had attempted suicide, and 6.1% had died by suicide.

Concerning the clinical profile of the study population, 28.6% had a personal somatic history. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was made at the age of 27.52±8.6 years. 11.2% had a comorbid personality disorder with bipolar disorder.

The majority of patients were on antipsychotics (95.9%), 84.7% were using mood stabilizers, 33.7% were prescribed anxiolytics, and only 4.1% were on antidepressants. Treatment compliance was poor in 61.2% of cases and 63.3% of patients had a poor insight.

Ten percent of these patients had attempted suicide, 50% during a depressive episode, 50% occurring during a depressive episode, 30% during a manic episode, and 40% of attempts were related to discontinuation of treatment. 3.1% had used hanging, and 3.1% had engaged in voluntary drug ingestion as a method of self-harm. None of the suicide attempts necessitated intensive care hospitalization, but 60% of the individuals were admitted to psychiatric care. There was a statistically significant correlation between suicide attempts and a family history of suicide (p=0.049).

Bipolar patients face a heightened risk of suicide, which is closely tied to the distinctive attributes of the disorder, including biological factors, thymic decompensation, and psychological aspects. Consequently, managing their condition necessitates a tailored approach, demanding ongoing vigilance for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

None Declared