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Factors associated with suicide attempts in alcohol abusers
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Certain mental health issues like drug abuse and major depression, particularly with hopelessness, are more common in alcoholics who have attempted suicide. These findings highlight key risk factors for suicide in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcoholism is a significant public health issue.
- Suicide attempts are a serious concern among individuals with alcohol use disorder.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical variables between alcoholics with and without previous suicide attempts.
- To identify specific psychopathological symptoms associated with suicide attempts in alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Alcoholics with and without prior suicide attempts were assessed.
- A structured interview was used to gather data on clinical variables and psychiatric symptoms.
Main Results:
- Drug abuse and major depression (especially with hopelessness or seeking psychiatric help) were more frequent in suicide attempters.
- Total psychiatric symptoms, including somatic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, were higher in the suicide attempter group.
Conclusions:
- Specific psychopathological symptoms are associated with suicide attempts in alcoholics.
- These symptoms may serve as predictors for completed suicide in individuals with alcohol use disorder.