Alcohol dependence and suicidal behavior: from research to clinical challenges.
Epidemiological and clinical data suggest high rates of suicidal behavior in alcohol-dependent individuals. Suicide attempters are likely to be young, to be single or separated, and to have made prior attempts. They differ from non-attempters by higher levels of impulsive aggression, drug use, and psychiatric comorbidity, particularly personality and depressive disorders. Treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent individuals often present with multiple risk factors. Early recognition of suicidal behavior is hindered, however, by insufficient data regarding the acute phenomenology of imminent risk. Similarly, little research is available to guide intervention efforts. Initial trials support the use of fluoxetine for the treatment of suicidal, alcohol-dependent persons with comorbid depressive disorders. Future studies may clarify the relative efficacy of various psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches to treating these patients.
Modesto-Lowe
Vania
V
Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Middletown, CT 06457, USA. Vania.Modesto-Lowe@po.state.ct.us
Brooks
Donna
D
Ghani
Mohammed
M
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D005473:Fluoxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors