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Suicidal ideation in prisoners: risk factors and relevance to suicidal behaviour. A prospective case–control study

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Abstract

Objective

To investigate risk factors for suicidal ideation (SI) in prisoners, as well as the prediction of suicidal behaviour by SI.

Method

Participants were recruited from the all–male,adults', high security prison of Patras, Greece. Sixty–seven prisoners who expressed SI were evaluated using a structured interview, Hamilton's Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) and the MontgomeryÅsberg Rating Scale for Depression (MADRS). Sixtyseven control prisoners without SI, matched for age, nationality and penal status were evaluated using the same structured interview and rating scales. All participants were followed–up prospectively for 12 months after their initial assessment and any acts of self–destructive behaviour were recorded.

Results

Independent significant risk factors for SI in prisoners were the family history of suicidal behaviour (OR = 56.34, 95% CI = 4.23–750.1, p < 0.002), history of psychiatric hospitalisation (OR = 7.18, 95% CI = 1.83–28.16, p < 0.005), and higher scores in the MADRS (p < 0.03) and HAMA (p < 0.03) scales. During the follow–up period, suicidal behaviour (suicide attempt or self–mutilation) was observed in 12 (17.9%) inmates with SI, as opposed to none of the controls (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A family history of suicidal behaviour, history of psychiatric hospitalisation and symptoms of anxiety or depression were independent risk factors for SI in prisoners. Inmates with SI had a higher risk for self–destructive acts at follow–up. Inmates with SI are a high–risk group for future self–destructive acts, so special precautions designed to reduce this risk are warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Patras Medical School, 26500, Rion, Patras, Greece

    N. P. Lekka M.D., A. A. Argyriou M.D. & S. Beratis M.D.

  2. Academic Clinical Psychiatry, University of Sheffield, The Longley Centre, Norwood Grange Drive, Sheffield, S5 7JT, UK

    N. P. Lekka M.D.

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  1. N. P. Lekka M.D.
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  2. A. A. Argyriou M.D.
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  3. S. Beratis M.D.
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Correspondence to N. P. Lekka M.D..

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Lekka, N.P., Argyriou, A.A. & Beratis, S. Suicidal ideation in prisoners: risk factors and relevance to suicidal behaviour. A prospective case–control study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 256, 87–92 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-005-0606-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-005-0606-6

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