Investigating the Predictive Utility of Suicidal Ideation Characteristics in Relation to Suicidal Behavior and Re‐hospitalization

OBJECTIVE: The limited predictive validity of risk factors for suicide is well-documented. A fine-grained approach to assessing suicidal ideation may allow us to identify which characteristics contribute to the highest risk for behavior. This study explored whether suicidal thought characteristics predicted future suicide attempts, suicidal behaviors, or psychiatric re-hospitalization. METHOD: 116 adult psychiatric inpatients with a history of suicidal thoughts completed assessments of suicidal thought characteristics, including severity, duration, frequency, and perceived controllability, and suicidal behavior. Follow-up assessments of suicidal behavior and re-hospitalization were completed at two- and six-months after discharge. RESULTS: More severe suicidal thoughts (thoughts with methods, intent, and plan) at the lifetime worst point and a lack of perceived control over these thoughts within the past month predicted suicidal behavior at six-month follow-up. Past month controllability of suicidal thoughts at baseline predicted psychiatric re-hospitalization. No other characteristics predicted suicide attempts, suicidal behavior, or re-hospitalization at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found that lack of perceived controllability and severity of suicidal thoughts may contribute to an increased risk for suicidal behavior. These findings add essential contributions to our knowledge of suicidal thoughts as a risk factor for suicide and can be easily assessed in medical settings to determine appropriate risk and care. PATIENT/PARTICIPANT CONSENT STATEMENT: All participants provided written informed consent to participate in this research.