Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review

Judit Balazs; Agnes Kereszteny

doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review

World J Psychiatry. 2017 Mar 22;7(1):44-59. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44.

Authors

Judit Balazs¹, Agnes Kereszteny¹

Affiliation

¹ Judit Balazs, Vadaskert Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Hospital, H-1021 Budapest, Hungary.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate suicidality and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this paper aims to systematically review the literature as an extension of previous reviews.

Methods: We searched five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Psychinfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) with two categories of search terms: (1) suicide; suicidal; suicide behavior; suicide attempt; suicidal thought; and (2) ADHD.

Results: The search resulted 26 articles. There is a positive association between ADHD and suicidality in both sexes and in all age groups. Comorbid disorders mediate between suicidality and ADHD.

Conclusion: Recognizing ADHD, comorbid conditions and suicidality is important in prevention.

Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Suicide; Systematic review.