Urinalysis-Assessed and Self-Reported Substance Use as Correlates of Multiple Indicators of Suicide Risk Among Acute Care Psychiatric Inpatients

Abstract Nonalcohol substance use is a robust correlate of suicide risk. However, few data exist regarding the degree to which nonalcohol substance use, as measured by objective indicators ( e.g. , urinalysis toxicology screen), is related to suicide risk. This study examined the associations of a multimodal assessment of nonalcohol substance use and multiple indicators of suicide risk. Overall, 168 acute care psychiatric inpatients participated and provided data spanning urinalysis toxicology screen and self-report instruments. Substance use per urinalysis toxicology screen and self-report was not related to current suicidal ideation severity. However, substance use per urinalysis toxicology screen was significantly associated with a suicide attempt history and suicidality as a primary reason for admission. Substance use is an important variable to consider in suicide risk conceptualization. Findings underscore the importance of leveraging, when possible, objective indicators of substance use ( e.g. , urinalysis toxicology screen) in suicide risk formulations.