Suicide attempters with and without reported overconsumption of alcohol and tranquillizers

Author(s): Ojehagen, A., TraskmanBendz, L.

Journal/Book: Nord J Psychiatr. 1997; 51: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division, Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 415-421.

Abstract: The aims of the present study were to investigate the existence of overconsumption of alcohol and tranquillizers in suicide attempters and whether overconsumers differ from those with no overconsumption. One hundred and twenty six patients, evaluated and treated after a suicide attempt in a psychiatric ward, took part in a comprehensive investigation. This included questions on consumption of alcohol and tranquillizers and use of illegal drugs, independently of the psychiatric diagnostic procedure. More than half of the patients (59%) reported overconsumption of any kind or use of illegal drugs; 47% overconsumed alcohol (13% in a combination with tranquillizers), 10% overconsumed tranquillizers only, and 2% had used illegal drugs. Compared with non-overconsumers, overconsumers had more often made previous suicide attempts, and psychiatric co-morbidity on DSM III-R was commoner among overconsumers. The parents of overconsumers had more often been treated for psychiatric disorders, and alcoholism among fathers was commoner. The overconsumers of alcohol were younger and less often married, had a weaker social network, and had lower platelet monoamine oxidase activity. The psychosocial characteristics found in overconsumers underline the need for identification of these subjects, to prevent an escalation of a self-destructive life-style. A thorough investigation concerning use of alcohol and other substances is therefore essential in all suicide attempters; otherwise there is a risk that overconsumers without a DSM III-R diagnosis of substance use disorder may be undetected.

Note: Article MagneIngvar U, Univ Lund Hosp, Dept Clin Neurosci, Div Psychiat, S-22185 Lund, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): alcohol consumption; alcohol use; monoamine oxidase activity; social network; suicide attempter; MONOAMINE-OXIDASE ACTIVITY; RISK; DISORDERS; TRAITS

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