Comparison of COVID-19-Related Suicidal Ideation Prevalence in SMI and Non-SMI Psychiatric Populations

This study investigates differences in the prevalence of COVID-19-associated suicidal ideation in individuals with psychiatric diagnoses at opposite ends of the DSM diagnostic severity spectrum. These opposite poles were represented by Adjustment Disorder (AjD) at one end and disorders categorized as Serious Mental Illness (SMI) at the other. The study hypothesized that persons with SMI disorders would be more likely to report Covid-19-related suicidal ideation compared to individuals with non-SMI disorders. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional model was used to collect data from new client intake forms completed between April 2020 and December 2020. Participants were 24 male and 26 female U.S. citizens (mean age = 32) diagnosed with either SMI or Adjustment Disorder. COVID- related suicidal ideation was assessed by a licensed behavioral health professional during the initial 50-minute client intake interview. Clients were placed in one of two categories: ‘suicidal ideation reported’ or ‘suicidal ideation denied’. Results: A total of 5 (18.5%) of the 27 patients diagnosed with serious mental illness reported COVID-19-associated suicidal ideation compared to only one (4.3%) of the 23 patients with a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder. Due to the small sample of patients with suicidal ideation, a Fisher's exact test was required in lieu of a chi-square test. The difference was not statistically significant (p = .199). Conclusion: The results of this current study are best considered inconclusive. The fact that persons in the SMI group were 4.3 times more likely to report suicidal ideation compared to persons in the Adjustment Disorder group, yet this difference did not meet statistical significance is discussed. An alternate explanation is offered that the sample size was too small for statistical significance to be accurately measured. The need for the study to be replicated using a larger sample size is discussed and recommended.