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Who are likely to attempt suicide again? A comparative study between the first and multiple timers
Yanzheng Liu1, Jie Zhang2, Long Sun1
1Shandong University Center for Suicide Prevention Research, China.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|August 14, 2017
Summary
Repeated suicide attempts are linked to mental disorders, family suicide history, hopelessness, and low social support. Targeting these factors in interventions can help reduce suicide mortality.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide mortality rates increase with repeated suicide attempts.
- Preventing secondary suicide attempts is crucial for reducing overall mortality.
- Characteristics of repeated suicide attempters remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and social-psychological characteristics differentiating first-time suicide attempters from repeat attempters.
- To determine independent predictors of multiple suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 791 suicide attempters (721 first-time, 70 repeat) in hospital emergency rooms.
- In-depth interviews using a semi-structured protocol.
- Logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of multiple attempts.
Main Results:
- Multiple attempters were more likely to have a family history of suicide, physical illness, mental disorder, higher hopelessness (Beck Hopelessness Scale), and higher suicide intent (Suicide Intent Scale).
- Multiple attempters reported lower social support (Duke Social Support Scale).
- Family history of suicide, mental disorder, hopelessness, and social support were significant predictors of multiple attempts.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with mental disorders, family suicide history, high hopelessness, and low social support are at higher risk for repeated suicide attempts.
- Interventions should target these specific characteristics in at-risk populations to reduce suicide mortality.