Link Between Parental Diseases of Despair and Suicidal Risks in Offspring

Recent research highlights a significant association between parental illnesses characterized by despair—such as substance use disorder, alcohol-related diseases, and suicidal behavior—and the occurrence of suicidal events among their children. Published online on September 12, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, the study underscores the importance of understanding family dynamics and mental health risks.

The study, conducted by Dr. David A. Brent from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and colleagues, utilized a retrospective cohort approach with the MarketScan database. It analyzed over 560,000 families with at least one parent diagnosed with a despair-related disease, alongside a control group of approximately 1.2 million families. Findings revealed that children with parents suffering from these conditions had a 67% increased risk of experiencing suicidal events. Notably, offspring of two affected parents faced nearly double the risk compared to those with only one affected parent. sex- and age-specific analysis showed higher risks among girls aged 8 to 11, especially when maternal despair was involved.

The authors emphasize the potential of family-based interventions to identify at-risk youth early and restore healthy family processes. Such efforts could be vital in preventing the adverse downstream effects associated with parental despair disorders.

These findings highlight the profound impact parental mental health and behavioral disorders have on the next generation, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies to support vulnerable families.