Comparison between aborted/interrupted and actual suicide attempt: An observational study on clinical and...

Little is known about the differences between actual suicide attempts and aborted/interrupted attempts, but evidence suggests some clinical distinctions. The present study aimed to provide information on the rates of aborted/interrupted and actual suicide attempts, and analyze associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, relying on a sample of patients admitted to emergency departments in four different regions of Switzerland (Geneva, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud).

We compared groups (aborted/interrupted vs actual attempts) using independent t-tests and Pearson's Chi-Square tests. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using univariable logistic regression. A multivariable logistic regression was run including variables associated with the outcome.

Among 687 individuals, 230 (33.5 %) presented an aborted/interrupted and 457 (66.5 %) an actual attempt. Those from the Valais region presented a doubled significant risk for an actual attempt. Those aged 24-44 were more at risk of presenting an aborted/interrupted attempt compared to those aged 45-65 (OR: 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.17-0.70). Compared to those admitted for an intoxication, those using other methods such as cutting object (OR: 0.19: 95 % CI: 0.10-0.38), jumping (OR: 0,05; 95 % CI: 0.02-0.12), strangulation (OR: 0.02; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.07), vehicular impact (OR: 0.08; 95 % CI: 0.02-0.40) and other methods (OR: 0.16; 95 % CI: 0.07-0.39) were significantly more likely to present an aborted/interrupted suicide attempt.

The study has a cross-sectional design, and longitudinal studies are warranted to further understand the direction of the associations.

Despite these differences, the groups overlapped among several characteristics. Thus, clinical risk staging based on the nature of the attempt might not be recommended, in line with current recommendation for self-harm.