Predictors of suicidal ideation in coronary artery disease.

CONTEXT: In clinical practice, the importance of screening for anxiety and depression in patients with medical illness is highlighted. In many cases, the suicidal ideation makes up the framework of mental disorders, which may be exacerbated in these individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of symptoms of mental disorders in the presence of suicidal ideation.

METHODS: A total of 103 patients with diagnosis of coronary artery disease in cardiac treatment were interviewed for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Beck Depression Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All patients were also analyzed for presence of suicidal ideation, wishes, attitude and suicidal plans using the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale. The relationship between social and demographic variables and mental disturbances and the presence of suicidal ideation was assessed using chi-square test and coefficient of sperm. Logistic regression analysis was used to explain the change in the role of each of the variables in suicidal ideation.

RESULTS: The results showed that predictors for suicidal ideation were isolated anxiety (B=0.29; Wald 4.77; p=0.03) with an odds ratio of 1.34 (CI 1.03-1.75) and isolated depression (B=0.33; Wald 5.35; p=0.02) with an odds ratio of 1.39 (CI 1.05-1.85). Frequencies of interaction depression and anxiety were higher among patients who were single, widowed and divorced. Chi-square test and the coefficient of sperm showed an association between marital status and suicidal ideation (χ(2)(2)=9.17; p=0.01).

CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression are risk factors for isolated patients with suicidal ideation. Early clinical identification of mental disorders in patients with medical illness contributed to preventing the risk of suicide.