Persistent nightmares are associated with repeat suicide attempt: a prospective study.
The aim of this prospective study was to determine if sleep disturbances and nightmares are associated with increased risk of repeat suicide attempt. Patients (n=165) aged 18-68 years who were admitted to medical or psychiatric wards after a suicide attempt completed an initial interview; 98 of these took part in a 2-month follow-up interview. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and two self-report instruments, the Uppsala Sleep Inventory and the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) Self-Rating Scale for Affective Syndromes, were administered both at baseline and follow-up. Data concerning repeat suicide attempts within 2 years were obtained from hospital records. Analyses were performed using Student's t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. In total 42 patients (26%) made at least one repeat suicide attempt within 2 years. While neither difficulties initiating/maintaining sleep nor early morning awakening at baseline predicted repeat attempt, having frequent nightmares did (OR=3.15). The risk was further heightened when nightmares were reported at both baseline and 2-month follow-up (OR=5.20). These associations remained after adjusting for sex, axis-I DSM-IV diagnoses, and self-reported depression and anxiety symptom intensity. Our findings suggest that nightmares might constitute a marker for increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Sjöström
Nils
N
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. nils.sjostrom@neuro.gu.se
Hetta
Jerker
J
Waern
Margda
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult