1600-0447/asset/acps_left.gif?v=1&s=0e4c72fe7df0553c2a9b39feea9b2e2574c289c2)
1600-0447/asset/acps_centre.gif?v=1&s=4ab34d92d51234b4ebd675388bcc1b75dbfb407a)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicide: a review of possible associations
Article first published online: 27 SEP 2004
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2004.00384.x
1600-0447/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=2490e7fa7d6cf4ca5c46f8af8cc06622127af8f8 "Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica")
Additional Information
How to Cite
James, A., Lai, F. H. and Dahl, C. (2004), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicide: a review of possible associations. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 110: 408–415. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2004.00384.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 27 SEP 2004
- Article first published online: 27 SEP 2004
- Accepted for publication May 17, 2004
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
- attention deficit disorder;
- suicide;
- adolescence
Objective: To review the evidence of a possible association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suicide.
Design: We searched the electronic data bases: Medline, Psych LIT, between 1966 and March 2003 looking for articles on ADHD, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and suicide.
Results: An association of ADHD and completed suicide was found, especially for younger males. However, the evidence for any direct or independent link was modest with an overall suicide rate from long-term follow-up studies of ADHD of 0.63–0.78%. The estimated relative risk ratio, compared with US national suicide rates (males 5–24 years) is 2.91 (95% confidence interval 1.47–5.7, χ2 = 9.3, d.f. = 1, P = 0.002). ADHD appears to increase the risk of suicide in males via increasing severity of comorbid conditions, particularly conduct disorder (CD) and depression.
Conclusion: Identification of those at risk, particularly males with comorbid ADHD, depression and CD, may represent a useful clinical means of reducing completed suicide.