Suicide risk factors consistent across nations

Washington, Feb 3 (UNI) Risk factors for suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts are consistent across the globe, a new research claims.

The study led by Prof Matthew Nock of Harvard University, with data collected by the WHO World Mental Health Survey Initiative, said the common risk factors included having a mental disorder, being female, younger, less educated, and unmarried.

It examined both the prevalence and the risk factors for suicide across 17 countries, including the US, Japan, China, France and Germany, and is the largest, most representative examination of suicidal behavior ever conducted.

The study also found that the strongest risk factor associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors were mood disorders in high income countries and impulse control disorders in low and middle-income countries.

''We often think of suicidal thoughts and behaviors as occurring among people who are depressed, but across all of these countries, we found that it is not just depression that increases the risk of suicidal behaviors-- impulse control disorders, substance use disorders and anxiety disorders are also associated with a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts,'' said Prof Nock.

A total of 84,850 adults were asked about suicidal behaviors and socio-demographic and psychiatric risk factors during the research.

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