Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Suicide Attempts in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the association between ADHD and suicide attempts among adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Method: Participants were 168 adolescents who fulfilled DSM-IV-TR criteria for bipolar disorder. They were divided into 2 groups: The first group of patients with bipolar disorder with a history of suicide attempts (n = 84) and the second group without a history of suicide attempts (n = 84). ADHD and other variables were analyzed using a chi-squared test and logistic regression model.

Results: No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in comorbidity of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders (P value > 0/05). In the logistic regression model, and after controlling for other factors, gender (OR = 3.9, CI 95%: 1.5-9.6) and history of sexual abuse (OR = 3.4; CI 95%: 1.06-11.3) were the only 2 factors associated with a history of suicide attempts.

Conclusion: No significant association was found between ADHD and suicide attempts in adolescents with bipolar disorder.