An analysis suggests that schizophrenia may be more prevalent than depression as a contributing factor to suicide.
Personality disorders linked to a higher risk of suicide include paranoid personality disorder (excessive distrust of others), histrionic personality disorder (attention-seeking behaviors), borderline personality disorder (unstable relationships and impulsivity), and avoidant personality disorder (social avoidance). Psychopathy falls under antisocial personality disorder.
Recent research indicates that individuals with these personality disorders face a significantly higher suicide risk compared to those with other mental illnesses, including depression, a well-known suicide risk factor.
A comprehensive study led by prominent mental health experts, including Hong Jin Jeon from Samsung Medical Center, followed nearly 3,951,398 adults over 12 years (2009-2021). The findings, released on the 3rd, revealed that out of the participants, 263,754 experienced mental illness, with 12,290 dying by suicide.
The study found that individuals with personality disorders had a staggering 7.7 times higher suicide risk than the general population. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia also showed significantly elevated risks at 6.05 and 5.91 times higher, respectively.
Other mental health conditions also demonstrated increased suicide risks: obsessive-compulsive disorder (4.66 times), drug addiction (4.53 times), alcohol addiction (4.43 times), and post-traumatic stress disorder (3.37 times). Notably, depression, often considered the primary suicide risk factor, showed a comparatively lower risk at 2.98 times the average.
Despite the high suicide risk associated with personality disorders, many affected individuals struggle to recognize their condition, leading to inadequate treatment. With an estimated 10% of the population affected and treatment often being long-term, experts stress the need for improved intervention strategies.
Jeon stated that since personality disorders are closely linked to suicide, it’s crucial to diagnose them early and ensure they lead to treatment, which requires attention and support from those around. He also noted that last year, the suicide rate, defined as the number of suicide deaths per 100,000 people, reached 27.3, the highest figure since 2014.
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