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Citation
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Olsson P, Wiktorsson S, Strömsten LMJ, Salander Renberg E, Runeson B, Waern M. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22(1): e428. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: ADHD is common in psychiatric populations. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics in adults with and without ADHD who presented with self-harm, and to compare later risk of suicidal behaviour within 6 months.
METHODS: Eight hundred four adults presented with self-harm (with and without suicidal intent) at psychiatric emergency services at three Swedish hospitals. Persons with a discharge ICD-10 diagnosis F90.0-F90.9 or a prescription for ADHD medication were considered to have ADHD (n = 93). Medical records were reviewed for evidence of subsequent suicide attempts (SA) within 6 months; suicides were identified by national register.
RESULTS: Recent relationship problems were more prevalent in the ADHD group. While the index episodes of those with ADHD were more often non-suicidal, and actual SAs more often rated as impulsive, medical lethality at presentation did not differ in attempters with and without ADHD. Subsequent SAs (fatal or non-fatal) were observed in 29% of the ADHD group and 20% in all others (P = .005). A logistic regression model showed elevated risk of suicidal behaviour during follow-up in the ADHD group (OR = 1.70, CI 1.05-2.76), although a final regression model suggested that this association was partly explained by age and comorbid emotionally unstable personality disorder.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for clinicians to take self-harm seriously in adults with ADHD.
Language: en |