Association of Psychotic Experiences With Subsequent Risk of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempts, and Suicide Deaths

Importance

Recent research has highlighted that psychotic experiences are far more prevalent than psychotic disorders and associated with the full range of mental disorders. A particularly strong association between psychotic experiences and suicidal behavior has recently been noted.

Objective

To provide a quantitative synthesis of the literature examining the longitudinal association between psychotic experiences and subsequent suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths in the general population.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO from their inception until September 2017 for longitudinal population studies on psychotic experiences and subsequent suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death.

Study Selection

Two authors searched for original articles that reported a prospective assessment of psychotic experiences and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or suicide death in general population samples, with at least 1 follow-up point.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two authors conducted independent data extraction. Authors of included studies were contacted for information where necessary. We assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We calculated pooled odds ratios using a random-effects model. A secondary analysis assessed the mediating role of co-occurring psychopathology.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Psychotic experiences and subsequent suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death.

Results

Of a total of 2540 studies retrieved, 10 met inclusion criteria. These 10 studies reported on 84 285 participants from 12 different samples and 23 countries. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 month to 27 years. Individuals who reported psychotic experiences had an increase in the odds of future suicidal ideation (5 articles; n = 56 191; odds ratio [OR], 2.39 [95% CI,1.62-3.51]), future suicide attempt (8 articles; n = 66 967; OR, 3.15 [95% CI, 2.23-4.45]), and future suicide death (1 article; n = 15 049; OR, 4.39 [95% CI, 1.63-11.78]). Risk was increased in excess of that explained by co-occurring psychopathology: suicidal ideation (adjusted OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.09-2.32]) and suicide attempt (adjusted OR, 2.68 [95% CI, 1.71-4.21]).

Conclusions and Relevance

Individuals with psychotic experiences are at increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death. Psychotic experiences are important clinical markers of risk for future suicidal behavior.