Marc Baertschi1, Alessandra Costanza2, Hélène Richard-Lepouriel3, Maurizio Pompili4, François Sarasin5, Kerstin Weber2, Alessandra Canuto6. 1. Nant Foundation, Vaud East Psychiatric Institute, Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland. Electronic address: marc.baertschi@nant.ch. 2. Service of Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Service of Psychiatry Specialties, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland. 4. Suicide Prevention Center, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. 5. Emergency Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland. 6. Nant Foundation, Vaud East Psychiatric Institute, Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Visits to emergency departments (EDs) for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt have increased in the past decades. Yet comprehensive models of suicide are scarce, potentially enhancing misunderstandings from health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) in a population visiting EDs for suicide-related issues. METHODS: Three major hypotheses formulated by the IPTS were tested in a sample of 167 individuals visiting EDs for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. RESULTS: As predicted by the IPTS, greater levels of perceived burdensomeness (PB) were associated with presence of current suicidal ideation. However, contrary to the theory assumptions, thwarted belongingness (TB) was not predictive of current suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 1). Similarly, the interaction between PB, TB and hopelessness did not account for the transition from passive to active suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 2). The interaction between active suicidal ideation and fearlessness of death did not either predict the transition from active suicidal ideation to suicidal intent (Hypothesis 3). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design limited the interpretation of causal hypotheses. Patients visiting EDs during nights and weekends were underrepresented. A general measure of hopelessness was considered, not a measure of hopelessness specifically related to PB and TB. CONCLUSIONS: Although the three hypotheses were only partially verified, health professionals might consider the IPTS as useful for the management of patient with suicide-related issues. Clinical intervention based on perceived burdensomeness could notably be proposed shortly after ED admission.
BACKGROUND: Visits to emergency departments (EDs) for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt have increased in the past decades. Yet comprehensive models of suicide are scarce, potentially enhancing misunderstandings from health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) in a population visiting EDs for suicide-related issues. METHODS: Three major hypotheses formulated by the IPTS were tested in a sample of 167 individuals visiting EDs for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. RESULTS: As predicted by the IPTS, greater levels of perceived burdensomeness (PB) were associated with presence of current suicidal ideation. However, contrary to the theory assumptions, thwarted belongingness (TB) was not predictive of current suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 1). Similarly, the interaction between PB, TB and hopelessness did not account for the transition from passive to active suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 2). The interaction between active suicidal ideation and fearlessness of death did not either predict the transition from active suicidal ideation to suicidal intent (Hypothesis 3). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design limited the interpretation of causal hypotheses. Patients visiting EDs during nights and weekends were underrepresented. A general measure of hopelessness was considered, not a measure of hopelessness specifically related to PB and TB. CONCLUSIONS: Although the three hypotheses were only partially verified, health professionals might consider the IPTS as useful for the management of patient with suicide-related issues. Clinical intervention based on perceived burdensomeness could notably be proposed shortly after ED admission.
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Authors: Philippe Golay; Louise Ostertag; Alessandra Costanza; Bénédicte Van der Vaeren; Yves Dorogi; Stéphane Saillant; Laurent Michaud Journal: Ann Gen Psychiatry Date: 2021-05-13 Impact factor: 3.455
Authors: Alessandra Costanza; Andrea Amerio; Anna Odone; Marc Baertschi; Hélène Richard-Lepouriel; Kerstin Weber; Sarah Di Marco; Massimo Prelati; Andrea Aguglia; Andrea Escelsior; Gianluca Serafini; Mario Amore; Maurizio Pompili; Alessandra Canuto Journal: Acta Biomed Date: 2020-04-10
Authors: Marc Baertschi; Alessandra Costanza; Alessandra Canuto; Kerstin Weber Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-03-30 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Alessandra Costanza; Marc Baertschi; Hélène Richard-Lepouriel; Kerstin Weber; Isabella Berardelli; Maurizio Pompili; Alessandra Canuto Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-03-26 Impact factor: 3.390