Mental health care for adults with suicide ideation.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate mental health and substance abuse services use for adults with and without suicide ideation.

METHOD: 2000-2001 follow-up of respondents to a nationally representative survey. Measures include self-reports of suicide ideation, specialty and primary care mental health services use, past year counseling, psychotropic medications and perceived need.

RESULTS

The percentage of respondents who reported suicide ideation was 3.6%; 74% of them had a probable psychiatric disorder for which effective treatments exist. Nearly half of those with suicide ideation did not perceive a need for care, including some who received care. Of those with suicide ideation and a probable disorder, almost 40% received no treatment. Of those with suicide ideation who perceived a need for alcohol, drug or mental health (ADM) care, almost 40% received no care or inadequate care. In a multivariate model, having a probable psychiatric disorder, perceived need and being white were associated with increased likelihood of treatment use, among persons with suicide ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Many adults with suicide ideation do not perceive a need for care or receive treatment in the same year. Even among those perceiving a need for care, many experience difficulties in obtaining it. It is critical to understand barriers to treatments for this high-risk group.