Correlates of Mean Platelet Volume and Psychosocial factors in cases of Attempted Suicide: Study from a Rural Medical College of Central India.

Abstract

Background: Suicide attempts have become a major mental health concern, with increasing rates in recent years. There is a clear connection between suicide attempts and depression. Many studies suggest that people suffering from depression show increased platelet activity. However, the changes in mean platelet volume (MPV) in individuals with attempted suicide have not been well-studied in the Indian setup. Understanding the psychosocial and biological factors is crucial for effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study aims to explore the relationship between clinical and psychosocial factors and MPV in individuals with attempted suicide.

Methodology: This was a hospital-based, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. Data was collected from 150 consecutive referrals of suicide attempt cases to the psychiatry outpatient department from January 2021 to December 2021 after obtaining informed consent. Socio-demographic information was gathered using a semi-structured proforma. Clinical and psychological evaluations were conducted using the Beck Suicidal Intent Scale (BSI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLE). MPV values were obtained from complete blood count reports using the Beckman Coulter method.

Results: In this study, 150 individuals who attempted suicide were assessed, with a majority being male (70%). The most common method of attempt was pesticide consumption, accounting for 88.7% of cases. Depression was present in 27.3% of these cases. We found a significant positive correlation between the severity of depression (p < .001) and the level of suicidal intent (p < .05). Additionally, patients with depression had significantly higher MPV levels (p < .05) compared to those without depression.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the link between suicide attempts and increased platelet activity, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the biological markers associated with suicide risk. This understanding could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies, ultimately helping to save lives.