Risk factors for suicide in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological autopsy studies

A total of 37 case-control studies from 23 countries were included, providing data on 40 risk factors in 5633 cases and 7101 controls. The magnitude of effect sizes varied substantially both between and within risk factor domains. Clinical factors had the strongest associations with suicide, including any mental disorder (OR=13.1, 95% CI 9.9 to 17.4) and a history of self-harm (OR=10.1, 95% CI 6.6 to 15.6). By comparison, effect sizes were smaller for other domains relating to sociodemographic status, family history, and adverse life events (OR range 2-5).

A wide range of predisposing and precipitating factors are associated with suicide among adults in the general population, but with clear differences in their relative strength. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021232878.