title: Suicide prevalence in chemical dependency programs: preliminary data from a national sample, and an examination of risk factors.
abstract: Completed suicides over a one year period of time were reported from a nationwide survey of Department of Veteran Affairs medical centers. Of a total of 248 completed suicides, 11 occurred in outpatient substance abuse programs, and an additional 5 occurred among patients receiving combined outpatient substance abuse and psychiatric treatment. There were no inpatient suicides. During this time, there were 7 suicide attempts on inpatient units and 37 suicide attempts in outpatient chemical dependency treatment. The majority of suicides were committed by males who had a primary alcohol addiction (63%). Thirty-eight percent of the sample had a comorbid mood disorder and 38% had a comorbid personality disorder. Risk factors relating to the potential for suicide in chemical dependency programs are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. otto.kausch@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Otto
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kausch
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McCormick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention