Suicide attempters with and without reported overconsumption of alcohol and tranqdllizers

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to investigate the existence of over consumption of alcohol and tranquillizers in suicide attempters and whether over consumers differ from those with no over consumption. 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 over consumption of any kind or use of illegal drugs; 47% over consumed alcohol (13% in a combination with tranquillizers), 10% over consumed tranquillizers only, and 2% had used illegal drugs. Compared with non-over consumers, over consumers had more often made previous suicide attempts, and psychiatric co-morbidity on DSM III-R was commoner among over consumers. The parents of over consumers had more often been treated for psychiatric disorders, and alcoholism among fathers was commoner. The over consumers 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 over consumers 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 over consumers without a DSM III-R diagnosis of substance use disorder may be undetected.

Key Words:

• Alcohol consumption
• Alcohol use
• Monoamine oxidase activity
• Social network
• Suicide attempter