Which disorder is most commonly a factor in suicide attempts?

Which disorder is most commonly a factor in suicide attempts?

• A. Severe depressive or bipolar disorder
• B. Anxiety disorder
• C. Chronic alcoholism
• D. Schizophrenia

Answer: (A)

The most common factor linked to suicide attempts is severe depressive or bipolar disorder. Mood disturbances bring intense hopelessness, despair, and cognitive difficulties that make suicide seem like a solution to unbearable distress. In major depressive disorder, the risk of attempting suicide is high due to pervasive negativity and impaired problem solving. Bipolar disorder adds risk especially during depressive phases and in mixed states where agitation and despair can spur impulsive actions. Anxiety disorders can raise distress but are not as strongly predictive of attempts on their own. Chronic alcoholism increases risk, but it typically acts as a contributing factor alongside mood problems rather than the primary driver. Schizophrenia also carries elevated risk, particularly with mood or psychotic symptoms, but mood disorders show the strongest and most consistent association with suicide attempts.

The most common factor linked to suicide attempts is severe depressive or bipolar disorder. Mood disturbances bring intense hopelessness, despair, and cognitive difficulties that make suicide seem like a solution to unbearable distress. In major depressive disorder, the risk of attempting suicide is high due to pervasive negativity and impaired problem solving. Bipolar disorder adds risk especially during depressive phases and in mixed states where agitation and despair can spur impulsive actions. Anxiety disorders can raise distress but are not as strongly predictive of attempts on their own. Chronic alcoholism increases risk, but it typically acts as a contributing factor alongside mood problems rather than the primary driver. Schizophrenia also carries elevated risk, particularly with mood or psychotic symptoms, but mood disorders show the strongest and most consistent association with suicide attempts.