Variables Linked to Attempted Suicide in the Psychiatric Field: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate variables and factors linked to attempted suicide in psychiatric patients. Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration: Psychiatric Department, S. Gerardo Health Care Trust (Italy), between January 2000 and July 2007. Methods: We recruited 32 patients (25 females and 7 males) admitted following a suicide attempt and patients with the same clinical diagnosis and no history of attempted suicide matched for socio-demographic characteristics. We administered 6 tests for the evaluation of personality traits (TCI-R), global psychopathology (SCL-90), quality of life (WHOQOL), Social adaptation (SASS), health (SF 36) and interpersonal relationships (IIP). Results: We obtained statistically significant differences between patients who attempted suicide and patients who did not in two subscales: harm avoidance (TCI-R, p=.021) and environmental area (WHOQOL, p=.036). Conclusion: This study suggests psychiatric patients less prone to inhibiting their behaviours and less afraid of the unknown, having a worse perception of their living environment safety and a poorer economic status may be at higher risk of suicide attempt.