Mental health disorders
Suicide among those with a mental health disorder is a notable public health problem. Various severe psychiatric disorders have been found to be present in suicides.
A number of psychiatric disorders and substance use were found to be associated with an increased risk of suicide1. These included alcohol misuse, personality disorder, schizophrenia, panic disorder, dysthymia, substance use of opioids, hypnotics, inhalants and cocaine, bipolar disorder, major depression and eating disorder.
Discrimination and stigma are thought to contribute to suicidal risk as they contribute to isolation, loneliness, unemployment and homelessness2.
Suicide prevention programs need to address issues such as stigma, substance abuse and the vast range of mental health issues to increase awareness and understanding in the community. As well, they need to give specific information to patients on how to deal with suicidal thoughts if they occur.
1Kapur, N. (2009). Suicide in the mentally ill. Psychiatry, 8(7), 257-260.
2Queensland Alliance. (2009). From discrimination to social inclusion: A review of the literature on anti-stigma initiatives in mental health. Retrieved from http://www.mhcc.org.au/documents/From-discrimination-to-social-inclusion-Lit-review.pdf
