J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2020 Apr;31(2):88-93. 10.5765/jkacap.200009.

The Association between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and the Number of Suicide Attempts among Male Young Adults with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression

• Yang CM
• Kim BN

• KMID: 2512183
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.200009

Abstract

Objectives
Mood disorder is highly comorbid with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and comorbid ADHD symptoms are associated with suicide risk. The aim of this study was to examine the association between comorbid ADHD symptoms and the number of suicide attempts among patients with unipolar and bipolar depression.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with either unipolar or bipolar depression constituted the final sample. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between comorbid ADHD symptoms and suicide risk.
Results
Among patients with bipolar depression, the number of suicide attempts was significantly correlated with ADHD symptoms (r=0.324, p<0.01). ADHD symptoms significantly predicted the number of suicide attempts (β=0.249, p<0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings underscore the importance of screening and assessing ADHD symptoms in male young adults with depressive disorders.

Keyword

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Bipolar disorder; Depression; Suicide; Young adulthood