Abstract:
bstract
Background:
Prior studies have demonstrated a link between parental psychopathology and offspring suicidal
behavior. However, it remains unclear what aspects of suicidal behavior among adult offspring are predicted by
specific parental mental disorders, especially in Africa. This study set out to investigate the association between
parental psychopathology and suicidal behavior among their adult offspring in a South African general population
sample.
Method:
Parental psychopathology and suicidal behavior in offspring were assessed using structured interviews
among 4,315 respondents from across South Africa. The WHO CIDI was used to collect data on suicidal behavior,
while the Family History Research Diagnostic Criteria Interview was used to assess prior parental psychopathology.
Bivariate and multivariate survival models tested the associations between the type and number parental mental
disorders (including suicide) and lifetime suicidal behavior in the offspring. Associations between a range of
parental disorders and the onset of subsequent suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts) among
adult offspring were tested.
Results:
The presence of parental psychopathology significantly increased the odds of suicidal behavior among
their adult offspring. More specifically, parental panic disorder was associated with offspring suicidal ideation, while
parental panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and suicide were significantly associated with offspring suicide
attempts. Among those with suicidal ideation, none of the tested forms of parental psychopathology was
associated with having suicide plans or attempts. There was a dose
–
response relationship between the number of
parental disorders and odds of suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
Parental psychopathology increases the odds of suicidal behavior among their adult offspring in the
South African context, replicating results found in other regions. Specific parental disorders predicted the onset and
persistence of suicidal ideation or attempts in their offspring. Further research into these associations is
recommended in order to determine the mechanisms through which parent psychopathology increases the odds
of suicidal behavior among offspring