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Axis I and II disorders as predictors of prospective suicide attempts: findings from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study

Shirley Yen, Brown University
M. Tracie Shea, Brown University
Maria Pagano, Brown University
Charles A. Sanislow, Yale University
Carlos M. Grilo, Yale University
Thomas H. McGlashan, Yale University
Andrew E. Skodol, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
Donna S. Bender, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
Mary C. Zanarini, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School
John G. Gunderson, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Leslie C. Morey, Texas A & M University - College Station

Abstract

This study examined diagnostic predictors of prospectively observed suicide attempts in a personality disorder (PD) sample. During 2 years of follow-up, 58 participants (9%) reported at least 1 definitive suicide attempt. Predictors that were examined include 4 PD diagnoses and selected Axis I diagnoses (baseline and course). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that baseline borderline personality disorder (BPD) and drug use disorders significantly predicted prospective suicide attempts. Controlling for baseline BPD diagnosis, proportional hazards analyses showed that worsening in the course of major depressive disorder (MDD) and of substance use disorders in the month preceding the attempt were also significant predictors. Therefore, among individuals diagnosed with PDs, exacerbation of Axis I conditions, particularly MDD and substance use, heightens risk for a suicide attempt.

Suggested Citation

Yen, S., Shea, M. T., Pagano, M., Sanislow, C. A., Grilo, C. M., McGlashan, T. H., Skodol, A. E., Bender, D. S., Zanarini, M. C., Gunderson, J. G., & Morey, L. C. (2003). Axis I and II disorders as predictors of prospective suicide attempts: findings from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 113(3), 375-381.