Classifying suicide risk in patients with mood disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide is a substantial global cause of mortality and disability. Although risk factors for suicide are well-established, the classification of high-risk groups based on these factors remains challenging. This study aimed to identify the optimal classification for high-risk suicide groups with risk factors for suicide.

Methods: We analyzed the medical records of 524 patients diagnosed with mood disorders at Asan Medical Center from February 2022 to August 2023 using decision tree analysis.

Results: Among 27 potential predictor variables, perceived burdensomeness was found to be the most important factor for classifying suicide risk. The optimal classification node for the high-risk suicide group included high perceived burdensomeness, high thwarted belongingness, low depressive symptoms, and low fear of death.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that enhancing interpersonal resources may be beneficial for high-risk suicide intervention. Additionally, low depressive symptoms may indicate suicide risk, particularly when associated with high perceived burdensomeness, high thwarted belongingness, and low fear of death.

Keywords: Depressive symptoms; Fearlessness about death; Perceived burdensomeness; Risk factors; Thwarted belongingness.