Neuroticism and suicide in a general population cohort: results from the UK Biobank Project

Abstract

Background Neuroticism has often been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Aims To examine whether neuroticism is associated with suicide deaths after adjusting for known risks. Method UK Biobank participants (n = 389 365) were assessed for neuroticism as well as social, demographic and health-related variables at study entry and followed for up to 10 years. Suicide risk was modelled using Cox regression stratified by gender. Results Neuroticism increased the risk of suicide in both men (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22) and women (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.06–1.27). In a subsample who were assessed for mood disorders, neuroticism remained a significant predictor for women (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.51) but not for men. Conclusions Screening and therapeutic interventions for neuroticism may be important for early suicide prevention. Declaration of interest None.