Suicide and alcoholism - Distinguishing alcoholic patients with and without comorbid drug abuse

Author(s): Duberstein, P. R., Conwell, Y., Cox, C., Forbes, N., Caine, E. D.

Journal/Book: Amer J Addiction. 1997; 6: 1400 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005. Amer Psychiatric Association. 304-310.

Abstract: Psychological autopsy data were used to test the hypothesis that alcoholic patients with comorbid drug use disorders who committed suicide (A + D; n = 26) are distinguishable from alcoholic suicide victims without a comorbid drug use disorder (A; n = 35). Dependent variables included demographics, suicidal behavior Psychiatric symptoms, and medical illness burden. The A group were older white, and tended to be living alone. Analyses that controlled for age and sex indicated that As were more likely to have had a comorbid major depression and less likely to tell someone they were contemplating suicide. Scores on a measure of illness burden increased with age among the A group but not the A + D group, though the latter were more likely to be under a physician's care with increasing age. These differences should be considered when designing preventive measures.

Note: Article Duberstein PR, Univ Rochester, Med Ctr, Dept Psychiat, 300 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester,NY 14642 USA

Keyword(s): SAN-DIEGO SUICIDE; PSYCHOLOGICAL AUTOPSY; SUBSTANCE-ABUSE; DIAGNOSES; STRESSORS; VICTIMS; YOUNG; RISK

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