Synergistic effects of lifetime psychiatric disorders on suicidal ideation among blacks in the USA.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of lifetime psychiatric disorders including general anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and drug abuse disorder (DAD) on serious suicidal thoughts among a nationally representative sample of Blacks in the USA.

Individuals with comorbid GAD and MDD [odds ratio (OR) = 3.61, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–10.33], GAD and DAD (OR = 3.22, 95 % CI = 1.05–9.85), and MDD and DAD (OR = 2.25, 95 % CI = 1.16–4.35) were at highest risk of suicidal ideation. In the absence of GAD and MDD, DAD was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 3.55, 95 % CI = 2.15–5.87); however, in the absence of DAD, neither GAD nor MDD was associated with suicidal ideation. Gender also modified the synergistic effects of GAD, MDD, and DAD on suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

Based on our study, GAD, MDD, and DAD have synergistic effects on suicidal thoughts among Blacks. Results may have implications for the reduction of suicide due to psychiatric disorders among Blacks.

Contact us for a copy of this article, or view online at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-014-0034-2#copyrightInformation