The risk of suicidal tendencies of bipolar disorder can identified in patients

Italian researchers confirm that the history of previous suicide attempts is the greatest prediction for future attempts; they also say that younger individuals have greater risks and also individuals with personality disorder traits and long term depression. Alessandro Serretti, from University of Bolonga with his research team says that these characteristics can be identified and also can be addressed with intensive care by clinicians. The study involved 3083 patients with suicidal behavior who also had bipolar disorder. They participated in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD). Eight patients (0.3%) died by suicide, whereas, the number of patient attempted suicide is 132 (4.3%) during the follow-up. In the first 6 months 53 (37.9%) suicidal event occurred and 96 (68.6%) within a year. The researchers stated that, “suicide in bipolar patients occurs prevalently during the depressive and mixed state of the disorder,” Also in individuals older than 40 years of age the risk of future suicidal tendency decreased by 43%.