Relationship between suicide attempts and synthetic cannabinoids in adjustment disorder

Objective: Although it has been known that adult patients with an adjustment disorder diagnosis do not have suicidal behavior similar to adolescents, the validity of this assertion in particular groups is unknown. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicide in patients with adjustment disorder that resulted in suicide among young men performing compulsory military service.

Method: Of 202 young men with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, 125 (61.9%) were admitted with adjustment problems and 77 (38.1%) with suicide attempt. Demographic characteristics, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, family history of suicide, self-mutilation, and physical and sexual trauma histories of both groups were compared.

Results: Of the patients who attempted suicide, 83.1% (n=64) selected methods unlikely to fail including firearms, hanging, jumping, cutting tools, and burning. Significant differences were found between the two groups (those who attempted suicide versus those who did not) in terms of SC use and self mutilation history. In addition, the use of synthetic cannabinoids was associated with past suicide attempts. But, it is difficult to generalize the results of the study to all patients with adjustment disorder.

Conclusion: These findings may help to predict suicidal behavior in young men showing symptoms of adjustment disorder.