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Suicidal behavior and abuse in psychiatric outpatients
M L Kaplan1, G M Asnis, D S Lipschitz
1Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Adult abuse history and combined childhood/adulthood abuse significantly predict suicidal behaviors in psychiatric patients. Abuse victims attempt suicide younger and more often, with higher depression and dissociation levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicidal behaviors represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding risk factors for suicidal behaviors is crucial for intervention.
- History of abuse is a known correlate of various mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between histories of abuse and suicidal behaviors in psychiatric outpatients.
- To identify specific types of abuse and their predictive value for suicidal ideation and attempts.
- To explore clinical characteristics differentiating suicide attempters from non-attempters among abuse survivors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 251 psychiatric outpatients.
- Data collection via self-report instruments and face-to-face interviews.
- Logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of suicidal behavior.
Main Results:
- Physical abuse in adulthood and combined childhood/adulthood abuse histories predicted past suicide attempts and current suicidal ideation.
- Abuse victims were more likely to have attempted suicide at a younger age and made multiple attempts.
- Higher levels of dissociation, depression, and somatization distinguished suicide attempters among abuse survivors.
Conclusions:
- Adult abusive experiences are significant predictors of suicidal behavior in psychiatric outpatients.
- Identifying specific symptoms like depression, somatization, and dissociation can aid in risk assessment for suicidal behavior among patients with abuse histories.