The association between alcohol misuse and suicidal behaviour.
OBJECTIVE
Despite recent small reductions in overall suicide rates, rates among those aged 25-44 have remained high. The aim of this paper was to examine the evidence for a link between alcohol misuse/consumption and suicidal behaviour, explore the reasons for this association, and consider the implications for reducing rates of suicidal behaviour.


METHODS
A medline search was performed to find relevant research evidence.


RESULTS
There is evidence to suggest alcohol misuse predisposes to suicidal behaviour through its depressogenic effects and promotion of adverse life events, and both behaviours may share a common genetic predisposition. Acute alcohol use can also precipitate suicidal behaviours through induction of negative affect and impairment of problem-solving skills, as well as aggravation of impulsive personality traits, possibly through effects on serotonergic neurotransmission.


CONCLUSIONS
Effective interventions for problem drinking may help reduce suicide rates. At a public health level, reducing overall alcohol consumption may be beneficial, and the measures shown to be most effective in this regard are those that aim to restrict availability of alcohol.
Brady
John
J
General Adult Psychiatry, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim BT41 2RJ, Northern Ireland. johnbrady33@gmail.com
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data