Complicated Grief and Suicidality: The Impact of Subthreshold Mood Symptoms

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between subthreshold mood symptoms and suicidality in patients with complicated grief (CG).MethodsFifty patients with CG were included in the study and evaluated by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Axis-I disorders, the Inventory of Complicated Grief, and the Mood Spectrum Self Report (MOODS-SR) lifetime version, to evaluate the subthreshold mood symptoms.ResultsTwenty-eight patients (56%) reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 11 patients (22%) reported suicide attempts. Subthreshold depressive and rhythmicity/vegetative functions items of the MOODS-SR were significantly associated with increased suicidal ideation and attempts, while subthreshold manic items were associated with suicidal ideation only. Relationships were confirmed after controlling for Axis-I disorders comorbidity.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest the usefulness of exploring lifetime subthreshold mood symptoms in CG patients, in order to promptly identify those who may be more prone to suicidality.