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Complicated Grief and Suicidality: The Impact of Subthreshold Mood Symptoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2011

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between subthreshold mood symptoms and suicidality in patients with complicated grief (CG).

Methods

Fifty patients with CG were included in the study and evaluated by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis-I disorders, the Inventory of Complicated Grief, and the Mood Spectrum Self Report (MOODS-SR) lifetime version, to evaluate the subthreshold mood symptoms.

Results

Twenty-eight patients (56%) reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 11 patients (22%) reported suicide attempts. Subthreshold depressive and rhythmicity/vegetative functions items of the MOODS-SR were significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation and attempts, while subthreshold manic items were associated with suicidal ideation only. Relationships were confirmed after controlling for Axis-I disorders comorbidity.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest the usefulness of exploring lifetime subthreshold mood symptoms in CG patients, in order to promptly identify those who may be more prone to suicidality.

Type
Original Research
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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Footnotes

Faculty Disclosures: The authors report no affiliation with or financial interest in any organization that may pose a conflict of interest.

Funding/Support: Funding for this study was provided by the Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, and Biotechnology at the University of Pisa in Italy.

References

Faculty Disclosures: The authors report no affiliation with or financial interest in any organization that may pose a conflict of interest.

Funding/Support: Funding for this study was provided by the Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, and Biotechnology at the University of Pisa in Italy.