Association of Sexual Dysfunction, Vitamin D, and Thyroid Levels with Suicidal Behavior Among Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D levels, thyroid hormones, and sexual functioning play significant roles in the risk of suicidal behavior. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature on these within the Indian context, particularly among patients with depression and suicidal behavior. The index study aims to assess the association of sexual dysfunction, hypothyroidism, and vitamin D deficiency with suicidal behavior among patients with depressive disorders.

Methods: One hundred fifty individuals with a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe depressive disorder were enrolled in the study, seventy-five in each of the two groups, with and without suicidal behaviors. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire were used to assess participants' severity of depression, suicidal behavior, and sexual functioning, respectively. Vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels were evaluated.

Results: Upon comparing patients with and without suicidal behaviors, being single, employed, longer duration of illness, earlier age of onset, greater depression severity, presence of sexual dysfunction, and lower vitamin D levels had significant associations with suicidal behavior in depression. Significant predictors of suicidal behavior were greater depression severity and the presence of sexual dysfunction. Greater depression severity emerged as a significant predictor for sexual dysfunction and, additionally, prolonged duration of illness in female sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion: Greater depression severity and sexual dysfunction were significant predictors of suicidal behavior in depression. Comprehensive assessment of sexual functioning and vitamin D in individuals with depression can help in timely identification and effective intervention.