Differentiating life stresses prior to admission to hospital for appendicectomy and parasuicide

Life events were collected (using the Bedford College method) in 78 women patients aged 15-40 yr, of whom 39 were admitted for the removal of an appendix which proved to be normal at operation and in whom no organic cause for their pain was found, and a matched group of 39 parasuicide patients. Utilizing measures derived from previous life event studies the parasuicide group were characterized as having recently experienced life stressors containing threat, uncertainty, impaired relationships and choice of action. They were likely to have played some part in bringing about these stressors and to have had poor social supports. In contrast 'normal appendix' patients had recently experienced life stressors characterized by threat and uncertainty. These stressors were unlikely to have been brought about by the subject and the patients had good social supports.