Differentiating multiple vs single lifetime suicide attempters with bipolar disorders: A retrospective study

Background The risk of suicide in Bipolar Disorder (BD) has been estimated up to 20–30 times higher compared with the general population. Previous suicide attempts (SAs) represent a well-established risk factor for further attempts and for death by suicide in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the socio-demographic and clinical profile of BD patients with a history of multiple SAs (MSAs). The present study sought to characterize BD patients with MSAs versus single suicide attempt (SSA) within a large Italian sample. Methods An original sample of 354 bipolar patients, recruited at the University Clinic and related community services at the Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan (Italy), was screened for the presence of previous SAs (n = 95). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were then compared between patients with multiple vs single lifetime suicide attempts. Results Bipolar patients with MSAs versus SSA had longer bipolar illness duration (26.9 ± 12.6 vs 21.2 ± 12.8 years; p = 0.05), and more frequently lived alone (38.5% vs 17.2%; p < 0.05), had more than one psychiatric comorbidity (39.3% vs 17.5%; p = 0.04), and utilized substance ingestion (e.g., overdose) (78.6% vs 47.2%, p = 0.009), although the latter was the most common suicide attempt method in both groups. Conclusion Present findings suggest different socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in bipolar patients with MSAs versus SSA. Further investigation is needed to confirm reported data.