Suicidal risks among 2826 Sardinian major affective disorder patients

Objective: We estimated risks of suicidal behaviors in 2826 mood‐disorder patients evaluated and followed in a Sardinian mood disorders research center over the past 30 years. Method: We determined rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and suicides, with associated risk factors, in men and women with DSM‐IV bipolar I (BP‐I; n = 529), BP‐II; (n = 314), or major depressive disorders (MDD; n = 1983), at risk for an average of 11 years of illness. Results: Observed rates (% of patients/year) of suicide ranked: BP‐II (0.16) ≥ BP‐I (0.14) > MDD (0.05); attempts: BP‐I (1.52) > BP‐II (0.82) > MDD (0.48); ideation: BP‐II (42.7) > MDD (33.8) > BP‐I (22.7). The ratio of attempts/suicides (lethality index) ranked: BP‐II (5.12)