Prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempts, in first-year college students with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the prevalence of past suicidal ideation (SI), plan, and attempt in college students with ADHD (N = 102) compared to a matched control (N = 102). Predictors of SI, plan, and attempts, were examined.

PARTICIPANTS: Study participants were first year college students at a large Southeastern university who completed measures during August or September of 2014 or January of 2015.

METHODS: Measures were completed by first year students via an online survey.

RESULTS: Prevalence rates for SI and related behaviors were higher among the ADHD group than the matched control, with suicide attempts rates four times higher in the ADHD group (13.7% vs. 2.9%). Results showed that ADHD predicted rates of SI and suicide attempt accounting for depression and key demographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for suicide risk assessments conducted with college students with ADHD.