Suicidal behaviors among patients with tramadol dependence in a sample of Egyptian population

Abstract

Background Suicidal behaviors are a major health problem in opioid-dependent patients. Tramadol is one of the most abused substance in Egypt, presenting a public burden and associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to look for suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior among patients with tramadol dependence. Patients, methods, and results This study included 120 participants (60 for patient with tramadol dependence and 60 for comparative group). Participants were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I), (SCID-II) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition; Addiction Severity Index; and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Suicidal ideation was detected in 38.3% of tramadol cases and 13.3% in comparative group (P=0.001). Suicidal behaviors were reported in 26.6% of cases and 6.6% in comparative group (P=0.003). Conclusions Suicide is common in patients with tramadol dependence and is associated with severity of addiction.