Review article

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2018.2

SUICIDE RISK IN ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Giancarlo Giupponi ; Department of Psychiatry, Bolzano, Italy
Gloria Giordano ; Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Ignazio Maniscalco ; Department of Psychiatry, Bolzano, Italy
Denise Erbuto ; Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Isabella Berardelli ; Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Andreas Conca ; Department of Psychiatry, Bolzano, Italy
David Lester ; The Richard Stockton University, NJ, USA
Paolo Girardi ; Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Maurizio Pompili ; Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Background: ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself during childhood with various combinations of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Research has shown that psychiatric comorbidities play an important role in the development of suicidal behavior and, recently, there has been a growing interest in a possible association between ADHD and suicide during both childhood and adulthood. Furthermore, some authors have shown a relationship between pharmacological treatments and suicide in patients affected by ADHD.
Aims: We conducted a selective review of current literature to explore the factors which contribute to suicidal behavior and selfharm
in those with ADHD.
Methods: We performed a PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycLit, and PsycINFO search to identify all articles and book chapters
on the topic up to 2017.
Results: Several studies have showed that ADHD may be correlated with an increased suicide ideation and attempts.
Conclusions: Although differences in studies design and samples made the results difficult to compare and interpret, many studies indicate an association between ADHD and suicidal behavior. It remains controversial whether there is a direct relationship or whether the association depends on the increased prevalence of pre-existing comorbid conditions and individual and family dysfunctional factors.

Keywords

ADHD; suicide risk; suicide ideation; suicide attempt; adolescence; adulthood

Hrčak ID:

195954

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/195954

Publication date:

16.3.2018.

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