The identification of predictive factors for suicide in people with depression allows for a reduction in suicidal ideation
This is the hypothesis of a study that was presented at the IV Research Conference of Residents of CAMFiC, which has been conducted in collaboration with IDIAPJGol
Photo: CAMFiC
The alarming increase in the number of suicides, both globally and in Spain, has highlighted the urgency of implementing effective prevention strategies at the first level of care. In this regard, the research conducted by residents in family and community medicine plays a fundamental role, as the results obtained can be directly applied to daily practice in primary care consultations.
A recent study on the factors influencing the evolution of suicidal ideation in patients with depression in primary care, carried out by a team of residents in family and community medicine working at the Institut Català de la Salut in the Camp de Tarragona, provides key information for improving the mental health of the population. The results of this study will be presented at the IV Research Conference of Residents of the Catalan Society of Family and Community Medicine (CAMFiC), which is being held today, Friday, September 20, at the entity's headquarters. The event is jointly organized by CAMFiC, the Jordi Gol Research Institute in Primary Care (IDIAPJGol), and the Teaching Units of Family and Community Care in Catalonia.
Primary Care: A Strategic Position for Suicide Prevention
The study, which included 142 patients with major depression and suicidal ideation (SI), analyzed the evolution of these patients over a year and identified predictive factors that could help improve their outcomes. The results showed that 79.6% of the patients experienced an improvement in suicidal ideation, but it was found that certain groups had a worse evolution, particularly women, patients with recurrent depression, and those with agitation or inhibition.
Key Factors in Improving Suicidal Ideation
Los resultados del estudio revelan que la presencia de agitación o inhibición y la depresión recurrente son factores que dificultan la mejora de la ideación suicida entre los pacientes. El estudio destaca que estos factores podrían ser el objetivo de intervenciones terapéuticas personalizadas en las consultas de atención primaria, lo que subraya la importancia de la investigación en este ámbito. Además, se observó que los pacientes con una mejor calidad de vida física tenían más probabilidades de reducir su ideación suicida, lo que indica que la salud física está estrechamente relacionada con el bienestar mental.
The results of the study reveal that the presence of agitation or inhibition and recurrent depression are factors that hinder the improvement of suicidal ideation among patients. The study highlights that these factors could be the target of personalized therapeutic interventions in primary care consultations, emphasizing the importance of research in this area. Additionally, it was observed that patients with better physical quality of life were more likely to reduce their suicidal ideation, indicating that physical health is closely related to mental well-being.
The Rise of suicides in Spain
In 2022, there were 4,227 recorded deaths by suicide, averaging 11 suicides daily, representing a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year. 74% of suicides were committed by men, and the most affected age group was between 40 and 59 years. This situation underscores the urgency of improving suicide prevention strategies, especially in primary care, which is the first point of contact for many patients with the healthcare system.
The Importance of Research in Primary Care
CAMFiC emphasizes that “research conducted in primary care, such as that carried out by family medicine residents, is essential not only for understanding the factors influencing the evolution of suicidal ideation but also for applying the results practically and directly in consultations. Primary care professionals are in a privileged position to detect cases of depression and suicidal ideation early, making it crucial for them to have the appropriate tools and knowledge to intervene.”
Program for the IV Research Conference for Residents
https://www.camfic.cat/DetallActivitat.aspx?id=9099
