Clarifying the role of neuroticism in suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among women with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background Prior research consistently demonstrates that neuroticism increases risk for suicidal ideation, but the association between neuroticism and suicidal behavior has been inconsistent. Whereas neuroticism is recommended as an endophenotype for suicidality, the association of neuroticism with attempted suicide warrants clarification. In particular, prior research has not distinguished between correlates of attempted suicide, correlates of suicidal ideation, and correlates of comorbid psychopathology. Methods The present study used the CONVERGE study, a sample of 5,864 women with major depressive disorder and 5,783 women without major depressive disorder throughout China. Diagnoses, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Neuroticism was assessed with the neuroticism portion of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Results Results replicate prior findings on the correlates of suicidal ideation, particularly elevated neuroticism among individuals who report prior suicidal ideation. Moreover, as compared to individuals who reported having experienced only suicidal ideation, neuroticism was associated with decreased likelihood of having attempted suicide. Conclusions The association of neuroticism with suicidality is more complicated than has been previously described. Whereas neuroticism increases risk for suicidal ideation, neuroticism may decrease risk for a suicide attempt among individuals with suicidal ideation. These results have implications for the assessment of risk for a suicide attempt among individuals who report suicidal ideation and addresses prior discordant findings by clarifying the association between neuroticism and attempted suicide.

Suicide and Personality Traits: A Multicenter Study of Austrian and Italian Psychiatric Patients and Students

“…However, without the presence of Depression symptoms in the predictive equation, Neuroticism was a protective factor against suicide. While research on neuroticism and Suicidal Ideation has found elevated neuroticism scores in people who report Suicidal Ideation, studies on neuroticism and attempted suicide have shown conflicting results (Rappaport et al., ). Cox, Enns, and Clara (), in the National Comorbidity Survey, did not find an association between neuroticism and prior suicide attempts, while other studies have reported an association (Fergusson et al., ).…”

“…Recently, Rappaport, Flint, and Kendler () examined the association of neuroticism with Suicidal Ideation and attempted suicide in a large sample of Chinese women (5,864 women with major depressive disorder and 5,783 women without major depressive disorder). The authors found that elevated neuroticism was associated with an increased risk of Suicidal Ideation, while elevated neuroticism was associated with a decreased risk for attempted suicide among participants who reported Suicidal Ideation.…”

Treating depressive disorders with the Unified Protocol: A preliminary randomized evaluation

“…As one of the nine symptoms of MDD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), suicidal ideation may also be effectively targeted with the UP. As detailed in Bentley and colleagues (2017b), leading theoretical models point to the experience of intense negative affect as a key factor in the development and maintenance of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (e.g., Baumeister, 1990;Beck, 1986;Joiner, 2005;Linehan 1993;Shneidman, 1993); indeed, neuroticism is associated with suicidal ideation even when adjusting for comorbid clinical disorders (e.g., Handley et al, 2012;Mandelli et al, 2015;Rappaport et al, 2017). Additionally, clinical observation (e.g., O'Connor, 2003;Selby, Anestis, & Joiner, 2007) and initial empirical support (e.g., Kleiman et al, 2018) suggest that suicidal thoughts and behaviors may serve similar functions to the aversive, avoidant reactions to negative affect that maintain emotional disorders.…”

Association between serum vitamin D and depressive symptoms in apparently healthy male adults undergoing routine health check-ups at a single centre

“…Depression-induced work absenteeism, loss of work productivity, decreases in work competence and increases in health-related expenditures are also serious social problems (18) , suggesting that depression is not only a mental burden for one individual but also a public health problem with respect to health promotion and management. Additionally, prior research studies have consistently demonstrated that depression increases the risk for suicidal ideation (19,20) . Although a national suicide prevention programme was implemented in the early 2000s, suicide remains the fifth most common cause of death among Korean adults as of 2017 (21) .…”