Ideation versus Disclosed Intent: Using CalEVDRS data to track precipitating circumstances of suicides in Los Angeles County, 2010 - 2011

Introduction

We explore the differences in victims who died by suicide, comparing those who voiced general suicidal ideations with those who disclosed specific intent/plans to kill themselves.

Methods

Los Angeles County data on suicides for 2010–2011 were abstracted into the California Electronic Violent Death Reporting System (CalEVDRS).  Chi square and Fischer’s exact tests were used to compare demographics and precipitating circumstances of suicide victims who had expressed suicidal ideations versus those who disclosed specific intent to kill themselves.

Results

Of 1,549 suicides, 1,424 (92%) had at least one reported circumstance.  282 (18%) expressed non-specific suicidal ideations and 134 (9%) disclosed specific intent to commit suicide; including 32 victims who reported both.  Victims who had expressed suicidal ideations in the past were more likely than those who had disclosed specific suicidal intent to be female (25% vs 13%), have a known mental health diagnosis (64% vs 46%), and have received treatment for a mental health problem (16% vs 9%).  However, they were less likely to report problems with an intimate partner (16% vs 31%) or leave a suicide note (28% vs 37%).

Conclusion

More suicide victims were likely to express suicidal ideation than disclose specific intent. Victims who voiced non-specific suicidal ideations were different from those who disclosed a specific intent to kill themselves in several ways. Understanding these differences, including demographics, mental health diagnoses, treatment and relationship stressors are essential for prevention and intervention.  This information is important for clinicians and service providers along with peers and family members.