Differences in metacognitive beliefs among patients with bipolar disorder with or without previous suicide attempts.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare differences in metacognitive beliefs between patients with bipolar disorder type I (BPDI) with previous suicide attempts (BPDI+), those without suicide attempts (BPDI-), and a control group. It also discusses the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and suicidal behavioral parameters. Materials and methods: The study included 72 BPDI+ and 73 BPDI- euthymic patients and 86 healthy age- and gender-matched individuals. All participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory, Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire, and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I. In addition, the Young Mania Rating Scale was used for the patient groups.

Results

Both the BPDI+ and BPDI- patients had higher MCQ-30 scores than the control group (p < .01). Scores for the 'need to control thoughts' subscale were higher in the BPDI+ group than in the BPDI- group and were also higher in both the BPDI+ and BPDI- groups compared to the control group (p < .01). In addition, the 'cognitive self-consciousness' sub-scores of the BPDI- group were higher than those of the BPDI+ and the control group.

Conclusion

The scores of 'cognitive self-consciousness' and 'need to control thoughts' vary across BPDI+ and BPDI- patients. It seems important to consider metacognitive beliefs regarding 'need to control thoughts' and 'cognitive self-consciousness' in terms of suicide prevention.