Suicide thoughts and attempts and psychiatric treatment utilization: informing prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of nonreceipt of specialty psychiatric treatment among those who experienced suicidal thoughts or who attempted suicide.


METHODS
Data were from the 2008-2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and included responses from adults 18 years and older who answered mental health and suicide-related questions (N=75,690).


RESULTS
Overall, 3.7% of the respondents experienced suicidal thoughts and .5% attempted suicide. Lack of psychiatric treatment was common among these individuals. Men, 18- to 25-year-olds, persons without insurance, and racial-ethnic groups other than white non-Hispanics were least likely to receive treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention and treatment efforts have targeted seekers of specialty treatment at high risk of suicide, but fewer interventions have focused on individuals with suicidal thoughts or attempters who do not seek treatment. More targeted prevention strategies are needed to mitigate suicide in the United States.
Center for Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, One Ford Place, Suite 3A, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. bahmeda1@hfhs.org
Brian Kenneth
BK
Ahmedani
Brian
B
Perron
Mark
M
Ilgen
Arnelyn
A
Abdon
Michael
M
Vaughn
Matthew
M
Epperson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult; D000092864:Suicide Prevention