DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN INDIAN PATIENTS: THE INFLUENCING ROLE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
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Keywords
Suicidal ideation, Depression, Alcohol disorder, SIDAS
Abstract
Background: Suicide is a major threat to public health worldwide. Evidence suggests that alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with suicidal ideation. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of alcohol consumption on the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among patients.
Methodology: This retrospective study, approved by the institutional ethics committee, enrolled 80 patients from a tertiary care hospital following informed consent. The objective was to assess levels of depression, alcohol consumption, and suicidal ideation among psychiatric patients. The study utilized the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) scale for psychological distress, and the General Help-seeking Behavior Questionnaire (GHSQ). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Among the 80 individuals, 66.25% were male, while the remaining percentage were female. In terms of psychological factors, depressive disorder (p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher suicidal ideation severity scores. The present study found that the SIDAS score was 13.38 ± 11.07, indicating moderate suicidal ideation. The AUDIT showed a mean score of 6.88 ± 5.74, suggesting low to moderate alcohol use. The correlation analysis indicated that depression had a moderate correlation with alcohol consumption (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) and a strong correlation with suicidal ideation (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). Alcohol consumption also showed a moderate correlation with suicidal ideation (r = 0.40, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The present study showed significant associations between alcohol consumption, depressive disorders, and suicidal ideation. Alcohol consumption was found to partially mediate the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation. Patients with mental illness who are concerned about their alcohol use may reduce suicidal thoughts by seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or taking informed actions with the support of counsellors or support groups.
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Dr. Mulchand Harjani
Assistant Professor At Department Of Psychiatry, Shri Balaji Institute Of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Dr. Sonia Parial
Director At Department Of Psychiatry, Dhanwantari Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Dr. P N Shukla
Director At Department Of Psychiatry, Manopchar Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India