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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world. For Bulgaria deliberate self-harm is an 8 out of 10 leading causes of death. The presence of mental illness can predict suicidal ideation, but it is difficult to say whom of those with suicidal ideation and mental illness will proceed to suicidal actions.
OBJECTIVES: In this article epidemiological data on the prevalence of suicidal behavior are presented: (1) suicidal ideation, (2) suicidal ideation with suicidal plans, (3) planned suicide attempt, (4) unplanned suicide attempt.
METHODS: A national representative epidemiological study of common mental disorders in Bulgaria EPIBUL (2003-2007) has been carried out. 16 illnesses of the following groups - anxiety disorders, affective disorders, psychoactive substance use disorders, and impulse control disorders - were investigated. The results were obtained after compiling data from 5318 interviews. Survey instrument used is the CIDI Composite International Diagnostic Interview.
RESULTS: In 66.8% of the people who have seriously considered suicide was found evidence of mental disorder. 40.3% of people with depression have attempted suicide. Comorbidity of affective disorders with another disease is the highest risk for suicide attempts (OR=164.53).
CONCLUSION: Half of the respondents who consider committing suicide have a pre-existing mental disorder. One of the main causes of suicidal behavior is the presence of mental illness. Depression is a predictor of suicidal intents. Comorbidity of affective and anxiety disorders with other diseases has emerged as the most significant predictor of whom of those with suicidal ideation will proceed with suicidal plans and attempts.
Language: en |