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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Suicide | Research article

Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students

Authors: Yanmei Shen, Bella Siu Man Chan, Chunxiang Huang, Xilong Cui, Jianbo Liu, Jianping Lu, Marguerite Patel, Christopher D. Verrico, Xuerong Luo, Xiang Yang Zhang

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Backgrounds

Associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes and suicidal behaviors remains unclear. The current study explored the prevalence of suicidal behaviors, and its association with ADHD among Chinese medical students.

Methods

Five thousand six hundred ninety-three medical college students participated. Symptoms of suicidal behaviors, ADHD, anxiety, depression, tobacco and alcohol use were assessed using online questionnaires.

Results

The prevalence of lifetime suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts among medical college students were 27.5, 7.9 and 14.8% respectively. Participants with ADHD predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I) had more than fivefold increased odds of suicidal behaviors, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of ADHD-I and ADHD combined type (ADHD-C) remained significant after controlling for confounding factors.

Conclusions

ADHD is associated with high risk of suicidal behaviors. ADHD-I and ADHD-C were strongly associated with suicidal behaviors independent of comorbidities. The finding suggests the importance of addressing ADHD symptoms in suicide prevention.

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Title: Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students
Authors: Yanmei Shen
Bella Siu Man Chan
Chunxiang Huang
Xilong Cui
Jianbo Liu
Jianping Lu
Marguerite Patel
Christopher D. Verrico
Xuerong Luo
Xiang Yang Zhang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Mood Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Affective Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students

Abstract

Backgrounds

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Backgrounds

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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