{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Suicidal thoughts and behaviours in body dysmorphic disorder: Prevalence and correlates in a sample of mental health service users in the UK.
{Author}: Addison M;James A;Borschmann R;Costa M;Jassi A;Krebs G;
{Journal}: J Affect Disord
{Volume}: 361
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Sep 15
{Factor}: 6.533
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.145
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Previous research indicates an association of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with suicidal thoughts and behaviours, but has largely relied on small cohorts drawn from specialist clinics.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Anonymised health-records from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust between 2007 and 2019 were systematically searched using the Clinical Record Interactive Search data system.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>298 patients diagnosed with BDD between age 12 and 65 years were identified. 206 (69 %) had experienced lifetime suicidal ideation. 149 (50 %) had recorded lifetime acts of self-harm or suicide attempts, most commonly involving cutting and self-poisoning. Rates of self-harm/suicide attempts were similar in those diagnosed before or after 18 years. Comorbid depression was associated with suicidal ideation (OR: 4.26 95% CI 2.07-9.72). Additionally, comorbid depression, OCD and anxiety were all associated with self-harm/suicide attempts (OR: 1.94 95% CI 1.15-3.31, OR: 1.99 95% CI 1.09-3.73, and OR: 1.93 95% CI 1.09-3.45, respectively). The presence of two or more psychiatric comorbidities was associated with a significantly elevated likelihood of suicidal ideation (OR: 7.06 95% CI 2.80-21.7) and self-harm/suicide attempts (OR: 4.62 95% CI 2.32-9.62).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>It is likely that BDD was under-diagnosed in the cohort, and those identified may not be representative. Additionally, the frequency and detail with which suicidal thoughts and behaviours were assessed varied and may also represent underestimates.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Suicidal ideation and self-harm/suicide attempts are common among individuals with BDD accessing mental health services. Psychiatric comorbidity and suicidal ideation should be assessed in all BDD patients.