Suicide ideation and attempts in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) places individuals at risk for suicidality. Inconsistencies regarding the associated features of suicidality and OCD remain.

Methods: Regression analysis determined the extent to which psychiatric comorbidity, illness severity, OCD symptom dimensions, childhood trauma history, and the Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism of the brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene predict lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts in adults with OCD.

Results: Among the 496 participants, 51.8% reported suicidal ideation and 16.5% reported ≥1 suicide attempts. Females and individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) were at higher risk of presenting with suicide attempts (female: odds ratio [OR] = 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 5.94; BPD: OR = 7.35; 95% CI, 3.25 to 16.61). Major depressive disorder (MDD), BPD, and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) were significant predictors of suicidal ideation (MDD: OR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5 to 3.86; BPD: OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.36 to 5.73; AVPD: OR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.75). No significant association was observed between BDNF Val66Met and suicidality.

Conclusions: Suicidality is common among patients with OCD. Several variables were associated with risk, including female sex, depression, and personality pathology. Further research into the underlying mechanisms is warranted. Emphasis is placed on assessment of suicidality risk and addressing modifiable features associated with suicidality to ensure better outcomes.