Characteristics of suicidal behavior in a Turkish sample

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Suicidal behavior presents a major challenge in psychiatric settings.
• Sociodemographic and clinical factors influence suicidal behavior patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of 144 individuals who attempted suicide.
• To identify characteristics associated with suicidal behavior in a Turkish emergency clinic population.

Main Methods:

• Interviews conducted by a consultant psychiatrist.
• Data collected on sociodemographics, psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-IV), and validated scales (Beck's Hopelessness, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Intention Scales).

Main Results:

• The majority of attempters were female, with lower education and religious orientation.
• Drug overdose was the most common method; family conflict was the most frequent stressor.
• 74.6% had at least one psychiatric diagnosis, with major depressive disorder in 28.5%; depressed attempters were more likely to be immigrants, urban dwellers, and have higher suicide intent.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant risk factors associated with suicidal behavior.
• Findings can inform targeted interventions and prevention efforts for at-risk populations.