Population-attributable risk of suicide conferred by axis I psychiatric diagnoses in a Hong Kong Chinese population.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to determine the population-attributable risk (PAR) of completed suicide among Hong Kong Chinese with axis I psychiatric diagnoses.


METHODS
With a case-control psychological autopsy method, 150 suicide decedents aged 15-59 were compared for axis I psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial variables with 150 randomly selected age- and gender-matched persons living in the community.


RESULTS
In the presence of other, non-disease-related social risk factors (unemployment and unmanageable debt), past suicide attempt independently accounted for 44% of the PAR of suicide, followed by current major depressive disorder (27%), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (22%), and substance use disorder or pathological gambling (16%). Other diagnoses (such as anxiety and phobic disorders, dysthymia, adjustment disorders, and past major depressive episode) accounted for 24% of PAR.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric morbidity remains the major risk factor for suicide in Hong Kong despite well-developed psychiatric services. Mental health policy should be refined to target clinical groups at high risk of suicide.
Chan
Sandra Sau Man
SS
Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ground Floor, Multicentre, Tai Po Hospital, 9 Chuen On Rd., Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong. schan@cuhk.edu.hk
Chiu
Helen Fung Kum
HF
Chen
Eric Y H
EY
Chan
Wincy S C
WS
Wong
Paul W C
PW
Chan
Cecilia L W
CL
Law
Y W
YW
Yip
Paul S F
PS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult