Decoding Suicide Decedent Profiles and Signs of Suicidal Intent Using Latent Class Analysis
Yunyu Xiao, PhD; Kaiwen Bi, BA; Paul Siu-Fai Yip, PhD; Julie Cerel, PhD; Timothy T. Brown, PhD; Yifan Peng, PhD; Jyotishman Pathak, PhD; J. John Mann, MD
March 20, 2024Research Overview
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 306,800 suicide decedents (2003-2020) to identify distinct suicide profiles, associated signs of suicidal intent, and modifiable risk patterns for targeted prevention efforts. The research identified 5 distinct suicide profiles with different risk factors, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies.
Key Findings
Study Population
306,800 suicide decedents from National Violent Death Reporting System (2003-2020)
Five Distinct Profiles
Identified 5 suicide profiles with different risk factors and warning signs
Highest Risk Group
Class 4 (physical health problems) was the largest profile (31.7%) with minimal warning signs
Prevention Implications
Highlights need for tailored approaches to suicide prevention across healthcare settings
Research Background
Suicide rates in the US increased by 35.6% from 2001 to 2021. Up to 79% of suicide decedents die on their first attempt, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and intervention. Traditional suicide prevention efforts have primarily focused on screening for mental disorders, but this approach fails to reach most individuals at risk.
Study Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2003-2020 National Violent Death Reporting System Restricted Access Database. Latent class analysis was employed to identify distinct suicide profiles based on circumstances, toxicology findings, and suicide methods. Primary outcomes measured included disclosure of recent intent, suicide note presence, and known psychotropic usage.
Key Results
Among 306,800 suicide decedents, 5 profiles were identified:
- Class 1 (13.5%): Mental health and substance problems
- Class 2 (17.6%): Mental health problems
- Class 3 (18.0%): Crisis, alcohol-related, and intimate partner problems
- Class 4 (31.7%): Physical health problems - largest group with lowest rates of disclosure
- Class 5 (19.2%): Polysubstance problems
Conclusions
The study identified 5 distinct suicide profiles, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Improving the detection and treatment of coexisting mental health conditions, substance and alcohol use disorders, and physical illnesses is paramount. The implementation of means restriction strategies plays a vital role in reducing suicide risks across most profiles, reinforcing the need for a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention.
Research Visualizations
Figure 1: Distribution of Precipitating Circumstances by 5 Suicide Decedent Profiles in the US, 2003-2020
Figure 2: Temporal Changes of Identified Latent Classes of Suicide Decedent Profiles in the US, 2003-2020