Persistent suicidal ideation: Prevalence in the German general population

Background: Persistent suicidal ideation (PSI) seems to be a common and clinically relevant phenomenon. Yet, available empirical evidence on PSI is limited by the lack of a uniform conceptualization of PSI. Current definitions of PSI suggest a time criterion of 12 months within which suicidal ideation needs to be present most of the time. The aim of the current study is (1.) to estimate the prevalence of self-reported long-lasting suicidal ideation of at least 12 months duration (as a proxy measure of PSI), and (2.) to investigate associations between PSI and markers of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, stress, lifetime suicide attempts) and positive mental health in a large sample of the general German adult population. Methods: A total of 7615 participants (58.6% female, age: M(SD) = 47.77(15.14) years) were included in the current study. PSI, lifetime suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (STBs), depression, anxiety, stress symptoms, and positive mental health were assessed with self-report measures. Results: PSI was reported by 6.9% of all participants and by 17.9% of individuals with lifetime STBs. Individuals reporting PSI indicated a significantly higher number of lifetime suicide attempts compared to individuals with non-persistent lifetime STBs. Furthermore, PSI was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower levels of positive mental health. Limitation: PSI was assessed with a single item. Conclusion: PSI is prevalent among the German general adult population especially in those with lifetime STBs. It seems important to characterize PSI more precisely and to gain a more fine-grained understanding of factors relevant to the development and maintenance of PSI.