Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and suicide ideation and attempts: Findings from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007.
BACKGROUND
Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have an increased risk of engaging in suicidal behavior. This study examined this association in the general adult population where there has been little research.


METHODS
Data came from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007. This was a representative sample of the English adult household population aged ≥16 years (N=7403). The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was used to obtain information on ADHD symptoms. The Clinical Interview Schedule Revised (CIS-R) was used to assess six forms of common mental disorder (CMD). Information was also obtained on the lifetime and past 12-month occurrence of suicide ideation and attempts. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine these associations.


RESULTS
After adjusting for comorbid disorders, adults with more ADHD symptoms had significantly higher odds for suicidal behavior. When a single cut-off point was used to classify ADHD (ASRS score ≥14), odds ratios ranged from 1.62 (lifetime suicide attempt) to 2.43 (past 12-month suicide ideation). When ADHD symptoms were categorized by strata (I: a score of 0-9; II: 10-13; III: 14-17; IV: 18-24), compared to adults in stratum I, those in stratum IV had odds ratios ranging from 2.16 (lifetime suicide ideation) to 3.68 (past 12-month suicide attempt).


LIMITATIONS
ADHD and suicide data came from self-reports which may have been affected by socially desirable responding.


CONCLUSIONS
ADHD symptoms were linked to suicidal behavior after controlling for comorbid conditions. Health care professionals should be alerted to the increased suicide risk among adults with ADHD symptoms.
['Stickley|Andrew|A|', 'Koyanagi|Ai|A|', 'Ruchkin|Vladislav|V|', 'Kamio|Yoko|Y|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior D059020:Suicidal Ideation D013406:Suicide, Attempted D063189:Symptom Assessment D055815:Young Adult
Suicidal ideation ADHD Common mental disorders Suicide attempt APMS 2007