Association of recurrent suicidal ideation with nonremission from acute mixed mania.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to examine suicidality in relation to acute symptom remission in inpatients with mixed and pure bipolar disorder. METHOD: Using chart review of 184 adult inpatients with bipolar I disorder, the authors assessed patients' past and current suicidality, other psychopathology, treatment, and remission. RESULTS: Past, current, and recurrent suicidality were significantly more common among patients with mixed mania than among those with pure mania. The probability of remission declined by 49% for every suicide attempt made before the index manic episode. Mixed mania, multiple previous hospitalizations, and previous suicide attempts were significantly associated with current suicidality. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidality is linked with mixed manic states and may be a clinical marker for recurrent dysphoric mania. Multiple suicide attempts are associated with nonremission from mixed manic episodes.