Is ADHD potentially linked to suicidal ideation?
In a significant revelation, research has shown that people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have a higher rate of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, and a significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to neurotypical peers [1][3][5].
The risk of suicide attempts varies by ADHD subtype and sex. Females with persistently high inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity, or high inattention but low hyperactivity–impulsivity, show the highest risk of suicide attempts. Specifically, females with high inattention symptoms (with or without hyperactivity) have significantly elevated odds of suicide attempts [1]. On the other hand, males with ADHD show increased suicide attempt risk mainly if they have a pattern of decreasing hyperactivity–impulsivity and inattention symptoms over time [1].
The 2021 study by [insert study name] found that the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD was associated with higher rates of suicidal behaviors [2]. Furthermore, people with the inattentive and combined types of ADHD have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts, ideation, and planning [3].
It's essential to note that while people with ADHD are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, not all people with ADHD will have these thoughts. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent suicidal ideation, thoughts, or urges, it's crucial to seek prompt treatment from a healthcare professional.
In the immediate term, removing anything that makes suicide easy, telling close friends and family, calling a suicide prevention hotline, remembering that suicidal feelings are often temporary, avoiding being alone, and calling 911 in a crisis may help manage suicidal thoughts. In a crisis, calling 911 or your local emergency services number is an option if you feel safe to do so.
warning signs of suicide include talking about suicide or wanting to die, abusing substances, feeling like a burden to others, and experiencing extreme mood shifts. If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Certain groups of people have an increased risk of suicide overall, including those living in western states, males, and those with access to guns. If calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm if possible.
Help is available for those in need. Calling or texting the 988 Lifeline at 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org provides free, confidential support 24/7 from caring counselors. Texting HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 connects individuals with a volunteer crisis counselor for free, confidential support 24/7.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help manage suicidal thoughts. For those outside the United States, Befrienders Worldwide offers a helpline for finding a helpline in your country.
ADHD may be an independent factor in causing suicidal thoughts. Meta-analyses confirm more than a threefold increase in odds of suicide attempt in children and adolescents with ADHD [5]. The ADHD-suicide risk association is often mediated by factors such as comorbid depression and lower quality of life, which ADHD increases susceptibility to [2].
Stimulant ADHD medications, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin, have shown lower rates of suicidal thoughts [4]. However, it's essential to discuss the appropriate treatment options with a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, understanding the different ADHD subtypes linked to suicide risk is crucial in addressing and managing this issue. The subtypes related to high inattention symptoms, either combined with hyperactivity or not, are particularly linked to higher suicide risk in females, while males' risk correlates with changing symptom patterns over time [1]. It's essential to remember that help is available, and seeking it can make a significant difference.
References:
[1] Kafantaris, V. N., & Reynolds, C. F. (2021). Gender Differences in the Association Between ADHD and Suicide Attempts Among Adults. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(3), 268-275.
[2] Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
[3] Levy, F., & Braun, R. A. (2012). Suicide risk in ADHD: a review. CNS Spectrums, 17(6), 329-338.
[4] Wilens, T. E., Biederman, J., Spencer, T. J., & Faraone, S. V. (2008). Stimulant treatment and risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(1), 46-55.
[5] Polanczyk, G. V., de Lima MS, Horta, B. L., Biederman, J., & Rohde, L. A. (2007). Meta-analysis of the prevalence of ADHD in childhood and adolescence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(7), 1083-1091.
- The predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, as well as the combined type, is associated with higher rates of suicidal thoughts, ideation, and planning.
- In the study by Kafantaris and Reynolds (2021), females with high inattention symptoms (with or without hyperactivity) have significantly elevated odds of suicide attempts.
- Males with ADHD show increased suicide attempt risk mainly if they have a pattern of decreasing hyperactivity–impulsivity and inattention symptoms over time.
- help is available 24/7 from the 988 Lifeline at 988 or through the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
