Sexual and Religious Obsessions in Relation to Suicidal Ideation in Bipolar Disorder.

Citation:
Abdel Hamid AA, Din MN, Gohar SM, Saleh AA, Tarek M-. Sexual and Religious Obsessions in Relation to Suicidal Ideation in Bipolar Disorder. Suicide & life-threatening behavior. 2019;49(6):1552-9. copy at www.tinyurl.com/2njblmfn

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Obsessions and suicidal behavior are common among patients with bipolar disorder. The relation between them and their impact on disease severity should be a focus of attention. This study aimed at assessment of the presence of sexual and religious obsessions in patients with bipolar disorder and their relation to suicide ideation.

METHODS: Ninety patients diagnosed with bipolar I disorder were recruited consecutively and subdivided into two groups: bipolar disorder with and without sexual/religious obsessions. Both groups were subjected to Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI).

RESULTS: Patients with bipolar disorder and sexual/religious obsessions were 54.4% (n = 49) of the total sample, and they showed significantly higher number of suicidal attempts, more severe depression, and suicidal ideation than those without sexual/religious obsessions. BSSI showed significantly positive correlation with HAMD and DY-BOCS sexual and religious obsessions dimension-related distress.

CONCLUSION: Sexual and religious obsessions tend to be more frequent among patients with bipolar disorder. Higher depression and obsessive-related distress potentially contribute to the increased risk of suicidal ideation.