Suicidal Ideation Common Among Psychiatric Outpatients: Research Reveals Treatment Effects and Associated Characteristics
A significant proportion of psychiatric outpatients experience suicidal ideation, which is often linked to higher symptom severity, male gender, and younger age. According to a recent study published in Nordic Psychology, treatment as usual resulted in moderate to large improvements for suicidal ideation in approximately half of the participants. However, a substantial number of patients reported unchanged or increased suicidal ideation, suggesting the need for additional interventions.
Key Takeaways:
- Suicidal ideation is a common phenomenon among psychiatric outpatients, affecting approximately 57% of the sample before treatment.
- Treatment as usual resulted in a moderate to large reduction in suicidal ideation for 55% of participants, with 38% showing no change and 7% experiencing an increase.
- Characteristics associated with suicidal ideation include higher symptom severity, male sex, lower age, and not being in a relationship.
- The study highlights the need for additional interventions to address suicidal ideation among patients who do not respond to treatment as usual.
- Participants who reported suicidal ideation at pre-treatment showed more symptoms of depression and anxiety, impaired functioning, and lower health-related quality of life.
Statistics:
- 57% of outpatients reported suicidal ideation before treatment.
- 55% of participants experienced a reduction in suicidal ideation after treatment.
- 38% of participants reported no change in suicidal ideation after treatment.
- 7% of participants experienced an increase in suicidal ideation after treatment.
- The reduction in suicidal ideation reflected a moderate to large effect size.
Sources:
- Suicidal ideation among outpatients attending a public mental health clinic in Norway: rates, treatment effect, and associated characteristics. Nordic Psychology, 2025, 77(2): 154-164.
- https://doi.org/10.1080/19012276.2024.2313526