1. The relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents: A meta-analysis
- Author
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De Filippi M, Rignanese M, Salmé E, Madeddu F, Calati R, De Filippi, M, Rignanese, M, Salmé, E, Madeddu, F, and Calati, R
- Subjects
Suicide ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,adolescent ,Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior ,Physical Pain - Abstract
IntroductionSuicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents (15-19 years). Physical pain is an important risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in a delicate phase as adolescence.ObjectivesSeveral studies investigated this association and the aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize data in literature about this topic in adolescents (11-20 years).MethodsWe started from a systematic review published by Hinze and colleagues in 2019 and we searched on PubMed (January 2019-June 2020) studies comparing rates of suicidal outcomes (Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plan, Attempt, Self-Harm: SI, SP, SA, SH) in individuals with any type of physical pain (head, back, neck, chest, stomach, abdomen, muscle, joint, arthritis) vs. those without it. Data were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA, version 3).ResultsOf the 16 included studies, eleven focused on SI (68.8%), six (37.5%) on SA, four (25%) on SH and two (12.5%) on SP. Adolescents with physical pain were more likely to report SI (p < .001), SH (p < .001), SA (p = .004) and SP (p = .006). In all analyses, the between study heterogeneity was high. The presence of publication bias has been detected in SI (k≥10).ConclusionsResults are in line with previous literature on this topic. Future research should investigate the specific impact of: acute vs. chronic pain; different types and intensities of pain; planned vs. impulsive action and therefore suicidal intent; role of psychological factors (in particular sensitivity and tolerance to physical pain).
- Published
- 2021