[Factors related to suicidal behavior among alcoholics]

Of 181 alcoholics who consecutively sought treatment as out- or inpatients, 68 (37.6%) had attempted suicide at least once. Compared with non-attempters, the suicide attempters were significantly more likely to be female, have had a chaotic upbringing and to have known suicide attempts in the family and social circle. Significantly more attempters suffered from depressive disorder, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety attacks, agoraphobia, substance abuse or cluster B personality disorders (dissocial, impulsive, borderline, and histrionic). Also significantly more suicide attempters had committed crimes and received early pension. Assessment of coping showed that suicide attempters had a significantly lower tendency to make plans or to make the best of a stressful situation by growing from it. They were significantly more likely to show mental disengagement, to resort to denial and drink alcohol or take drugs when faced with stressful events or difficulties. When evaluated on the Addiction Severity Index Scale, the suicide attempters were found to have a significantly greater need of treatment.