Correlates of Suicide Attempt History in Bipolar Disorder: a Stress-Diathesis Perspective

96 patients with bipolar disorder were compared with respect to the presence or absence at baseline evaluation of a history of suicide attempt. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the unique associations of independent variables to history of a past suicide attempt. The regression analysis showed that a history of suicide attempt in bipolar disorder was associated with greater recent suicide ideation, more psychiatric hospitalizations, lifetime aggressive traits, & an earlier age at onset of a first mood episode. Aggressive traits & early treatment of mood disorders, especially major depressive episodes, are potential targets for suicide prevention in bipolar disorder. (49 refs)