Temperament, character and suicide attempts in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and major depression

Author(s): Sullivan, P. F., Joyce, P. R.

Journal/Book: Acta Psychiat Scand. 1999; 100: 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, Dk-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Munksgaard Int Publ Ltd. 27-32.

Abstract: Objective: We examined the relation between personality traits as measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and a reported history of suicide attempts in women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and major depression. Method: We compared the prevalence and severity of suicide attempts in women with anorexia nervosa (n = 68), bulimia nervosa (n = 152) and major depression with no history of an eating disorder (n = 59), and we examined the relation between the TCI scales and suicide attempts. Results: Comparable numbers of women across the three groups had attempted suicide. The temperament dimension of high persistence and the character dimensions of low self-directedness and high self-transcendence were associated with a reported history of suicide attempts. Conclusion: Suicide attempts are equally common in women with eating disorders and women with depression. Whether the observed association between temperament and suicide attempts reflects correlates, causal factors or sequelae of suicide attempts is unknown.

Note: Article Bulik CM, Virginia Commonwealth Univ, Virginia Inst Psychiat & Behav Genet, Dept Psychiat, Med Coll Virginia, 800 E Leigh St, POB 980126, Richmond,VA 23298 USA

Keyword(s): anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa; major depression; suicide; temperament; PERSONALITY; VULNERABILITY; IMPULSIVITY; MORTALITY; FEATURES; ANXIETY; MODEL; MOOD; RISK

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