Treated and untreated suicide attempts in substance abuse patients.
Suicidal behavior is a relatively common and serious problem in those with alcohol and drug problems. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics of 123 alcohol rehabilitation patients with and without a history of suicide attempts, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime version. Younger age was significantly related to suicide attempts, as were drug disorders, panic attacks, antisocial symptoms, and alcohol-related problems such as violence, withdrawal symptoms, and personal or occupational loss. Untreated suicide attempts were characterized by less serious suicidal intent and medical threat to life. However, alcohol- or drug-abusing individuals who have not sought treatment for suicidal behavior but who continue to drink or use drugs may be at special risk for completed suicide.
Hasin
D
D
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
Grant
B
B
Endicott
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010200:Panic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence