Severity of attempted suicide as measured by the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale.
BACKGROUND
Suicidal intent is an essential feature of suicidal behavior. Previous research has been controversial and the need for further evidence has been pointed out.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to characterize the severity of attempted suicide by extracting components of suicidal intent and analyzing levels of suicidal intent by gender, age, and variables indicating the severity of attempted suicide.


METHODS
Data on suicide attempters (N = 469) were collected in Estonia using WHO SUPRE-MISS methodology. To measure suicidal intent, a revised version of the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale (PSIS) was used.


RESULTS
The level of suicidal intent was not gender-dependent, but rose with age. Males and females were also similar in terms of discrete components. Classified in age groups, their unequivocally expressed "wish to die" was similar, but equivocal communication (components termed "arrangements" and "circumstances") increased with age. Middle-aged groups scored higher for the "alcohol/drugs" component. Psychiatric diagnosis, method of attempting suicide, and duration of hospitalization were linked to suicidal intent, but danger to life as assessed by interviewers was not.


CONCLUSIONS
In suicide-risk assessment, results from a Suicidal Intent Scale contribute to clinical observation and add valuable information about a suicidal person's real intention.
Sisask
Merike
M
Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute, Estonian Centre of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia. merike.sisask@neti.ee
Kõlves
Kairi
K
Värnik
Airi
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D004957:Estonia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult