Citation

Haller DL, Miles DR. AIDS Behav. 2003; 7(2): 101-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1023/a:1023985906166

PMID

14586195

Abstract

This study explored suicidality among 190 (68% male) participants in an HIV mental health clinic. Twenty-six percent had suicidal thoughts within 30 days of admission, 49% had a plan, and 48% expressed intent stating there was moderate or high likelihood they would take action. The most prevalent diagnoses among those with suicidal ideation were major depression (64%), drug dependence (52%), and depressive personality disorder (50%). In regression analyses, individuals with major depression, dysthymia, substance abuse, thought disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline and avoidant personality disorders were at increased risk for suicidality whereas those with narcissistic personality disorder were at decreased risk. In addition, six of seven quality-of-life variables were associated with suicidal ideation, with the strongest correlations found for leisure/social (r =.36) and family/friends (r =.33). At-risk individuals, especially those with "dual disorders," unstable interpersonal relations, and a restricted social environment, should be carefully screened for suicidality.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); Family Relations; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Personality Disorders; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Social Support; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicide, Attempted