Differential Impact of Child Sexual Abuse and Family History of Suicidal Behavior in High-Risk Suicidal Patients

Abstract

The current study aimed to compare suicide-related variables as a function of 1) family history of suicidal behavior and 2) child sexual abuse among patients hospitalized for a suicide attempt or active suicidal ideation. Family history of suicidal behavior and child sexual abuse were examined independently and in combination as a diathesis for a high-risk suicidal phenotype. A multicenter cross-sectional study was designed to compare data obtained from 292 patients hospitalized for suicidal behavior. Demographic and clinical variables were compared among Group 1 (patients who reported both family history of suicidal behavior and child sexual abuse), Group 2 (patients who reported only family history of suicidal behavior), Group 3 (patients who reported only child sexual abuse), and Group 4 (patients who did not report family history of suicidal behavior or childhood sexual abuse). A multinomial logistic regression was used to examine suicide-related variables associated with each group and to compare differences between groups. Group 1 and 3 endorsed a higher number of previous suicide attempts and were more likely to be younger at the first suicide attempt compared to Group 4. Group differences remained after adjustment in a multinomial regression model. The current findings suggest that child sexual abuse may be more strongly related to suicide risk among high risk patients than family history of suicidal behavior.

Keywords:

• child sexual abuse
• family history of suicidal behavior
• suicidal behavior

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors want to gratefully acknowledge the study participants for their collaboration, the nursing staff and field teams in each Hospital.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No author reports a potential for conflicts of interest. No author or immediate family member has financial relationships with commercial entities that might appear to represent a potential for conflicts of interest. All authors have approved the final article.

Additional information

Funding

Federico Manuel Daray is a research member of CONICET. This study was funded by a grant from Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation of Argentina (PIDC-2012-0064). The funding source had no involvement in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the paper for publication

Notes on contributors

Leandro N. Grendas

Leandro N. Grendas, Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; “Dr. Teodoro Álvarez” General Hospital. Dr. Juan Felipe Aranguren 2701, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sasha M. Rojas

Sasha M. Rojas, Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA.

Demián E. Rodante

Demián E. Rodante, Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; “Dr. Braulio A. Moyano” Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Soledad Puppo

Soledad Puppo, “José de San Martín” Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Patricia Vidjen

Patricia Vidjen, “José Tiburcio Borda” Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Alicia Portela

Alicia Portela, “José Tiburcio Borda” Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Federico M. Daray

Federico M. Daray, Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; “Dr. Braulio A. Moyano” Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.