Debt and suicidal behaviour in the Finnish general population

We studied the significance of debt as a risk factor for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a nation-wide sample (n= 4868) of the Finnish general population. Those experiencing difficulties in repaying their debts more often than others (37 vs. 16%, P > 0.001) had a probable minor mental disorder (GHQ-12 score 3≥3). Nevertheless, difficulties in repaying debts were found to be a factor independently associated with suicidal ideation (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9–4.2). The clinical implication of these findings is that individuals experiencing difficulties in repaying their debts may require psychiatric evaluation as well as socio-economic counselling.