Characteristics of Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

The exploration of inter- and intra-individual variability in suicidal ideation (SI) is vital to suicide research. However, this research relies on the identification and measurement of standardized SI characteristics.

Objective

This review aimed to identify characteristics of SI examined in research, describe how these characteristics are measured, and assess how they are aligned with those included in the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched, and relevant data was extracted. The C-SSRS provided a framework for comparing SI names, measures and operational definitions.

Results

After comparing operational definitions of identified characteristics, five core domains emerged: (1) severity, (2) temporality, (3) variability, (4) controllability, and (5) deterrents/reasons for ideating. Except for variability, all SI characteristics in the literature were congruent with those measured in the C-SSRS.

Conclusions

This review highlighted conceptual and methodologic inconsistencies in the study of SI, specifically the nomenclature, measurement and definitions of SI characteristics. Standardized approaches to the study of SI characteristics are needed. These approaches will enhance accurate and reliable measurement of SI, allow for findings to be synthesized across studies and propel the exploration of inter and intra-individual SI variability leading to more individualized and effective SI treatment.

Keywords:

• Literature review
• SI characteristics
• SI subtypes
• suicidal ideation
• suicide

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [T32NR016920].

Notes on contributors

Katherine W. Reeves

Katherine W. Reeves, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Genesis Vasconez, Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Sandra J. Weiss, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Genesis Vasconez

Katherine W. Reeves, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Genesis Vasconez, Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Sandra J. Weiss, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Sandra J. Weiss

Katherine W. Reeves, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Genesis Vasconez, Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. Sandra J. Weiss, Depression Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.