RESUMEN
There might be differential characteristics between those who have attempted suicide once in their lifetime (single attempters) and those who have attempted suicide two or more times (multiple attempters). We aimed to identify the factors that differentiate single and multiple attempters in child and adolescents. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in PROSPERO. We conducted a systematic literature search in three databases to identify original studies exploring the characteristics of single attempters vs. multiple attempters among adolescents. We considered a wide range for the definition of adolescent, following most recent recommendations: 10-24 years. We carried out a meta-analysis. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review and 13 in the meta-analysis with a total sample of with a total of 4286 participants. The factors statistically significantly associated with being a multiple attempter in the meta-analysis were: anxiety disorders, depression severity, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, aggressiveness, and hopelessness. Multiple attempters have a more severe clinical profile, with greater severity of symptoms. Knowledge of the risk factors associated with being a multiple attempter could help us to predict which patients are more likely to reattempt suicide and need further monitoring and a tailored treatment. Prevention programs tailored for the adolescent population, along with identification of early risk factors, could help to prevent suicidal behavior among this vulnerable population.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Early detection of prodromal symptoms may contribute to improving the prognosis of patients with bipolar disorder (BD). The main objective of this systematic review is to present the different procedures for the identification of initial and relapse prodromes in these patients. METHODS: PsycINFO, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched using a predetermined strategy, until January 4, 2022. Then, by means of a regulated process, studies that used a BD prodrome detection procedure, in English-language and all ages participants were selected. Quantitative and qualitative studies were assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and by Critical Appraisals Skills Programme checklist, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-five studies were selected. Of these, 26 used procedures for identifying initial prodromes (n = 8014) and 19 used procedures for detecting relapse prodromes (n = 1136). The interview was the most used method in the detection of both types of prodromes (k = 30 papers, n = 4068). It was variable in its degree of structure. Mobile applications and digital technologies are gaining importance in the detection of the relapse prodromes. LIMITATIONS: A retrospective design in most papers, small samples sizes, existence of persistent subsyndromal symptoms and difficulty to identify the end of the prodrome and the onset of the disorder. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variety of assessment instruments to detect prodromes in BD, among which the clinical interview is most frequently used. Future research should consider development of a brief tool to be applied in different formats to patients and family members.
