Treatment received by alcohol-dependent suicide attempters

Author(s): Isometsa, E. T., Henriksson, M. M., Ostamo, A. I., Lonnqvist, J. K.

Journal/Book: Acta Psychiat Scand. 1999; 99: 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, Dk-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Munksgaard Int Publ Ltd. 214-219.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features of alcohol-dependent suicide attempters and the treatment they received before and after the index attempt. A total of 47 subjects with current DSM-III-R alcohol dependence were identified from a systematic sample of 114 suicide attempters in Helsinki. All of them were comprehensively interviewed after the attempt. And the treatment they had received was established from psychiatric and other health-care records and follow-up interviews. Most had a history of psychiatric (83%) or substance abuse (83%) treatment. During the final month before the attempt, half of the subjects (51%) had been treated by health care services; 11% had received disulfiram-treatment and 6% had received psychotherapy. Subjects complied with recommended aftercare more often when they had been actively referred. After 1 month, 64% were being treated by health care services. However, only 14% were receiving disulfiram-treatment and 9% were receiving psychotherapy. These findings suggest that the quality and activity of treatment offered to suicide attempters with alcohol dependence should be improved.

Note: Article Suominen KH, Natl Publ Hlth Inst, Dept Mental Hlth & Alcohol Res, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, FINLAND

Keyword(s): attempted suicide; alcoholism; aftercare; treatment; compliance; health care; MENTAL-DISORDERS; COMORBIDITY; ATTITUDES

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