Pilot Sample of Very Early Onset Bipolar Disorder in a Military Population Moderates the Association of Negative Life Events and Non-Fatal Suicide Attempt

Measures of negative life events, suicide ideation, & current suicide attempt were administered to 298 military-based young adults at entry to treatment for suicidality. Current & lifetime diagnoses were assigned using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Negative life events & suicide attempt were significantly & positively associated among those with no history of very early onset bipolar disorder, including those with very early onset major depressive disorder & very early onset anxiety disorder. Very early onset bipolar disorder moderated the association between negative life events & suicide attempt such that negative life events were non-significantly & negatively associated with the presence of a suicide attempt among patients with a history of early onset bipolar disorder. (57 refs.)