Effect of acute alcohol use on the lethality of suicide attempts in patients with mood disorders

Abstract

Acute alcohol use is an important risk factor for attempted and completed suicide. We evaluated the effect of acute alcohol intake on the lethality of suicide attempts to test the hypothesis that acute alcohol intoxication is associated with more lethal suicide attempts. This retrospective study included 317 suicide attempters enrolled in mood disorders protocols. Demographic and clinical parameters were assessed. The use of alcohol at the time of the most lethal suicide attempt was determined. On the basis of their responses participants were classified into three groups: participants who reported “Enough alcohol intake to impair judgment, reality testing and diminish responsibility” or “Intentional intake of alcohol in order to facilitate implementation of attempt” were included in the group “Alcohol” (A); participants who reported “Some alcohol intake prior to but not related to attempt, reportedly not enough to impair judgment, reality testing” were included in the group “Some Alcohol” (SA); and participants who reported “No alcohol intake immediately prior to attempt” were included in the group “No Alcohol” (NA). Lethality of the most lethal suicide attempts was higher in the A group compared to the SA and NA groups. Prevalence of patients with alcohol use disorders was higher in the A group compared to the SA and NA groups. SA participants reported more reasons for living and lower suicide intent scores at the time of their most lethal suicide attempt compared to the A and NA groups. Acute alcohol use increases the lethality of suicide attempts in individuals with mood disorders.

Differences in suicide risk according to living arrangements in Japanese men and women – The Japan Public Health Center-based (JPHC) prospective study

“…Several Japanese studies have shown a favorable effect of living in a multigenerational family on women's health behaviors such as on smoking and drinking (Takeda et al, 2004(Takeda et al, , 2006 Higuchi, 2009) and other countries (Bronisch et al, 2008;Sher et al, 2009). Our analysis showed no significant association between family generation and suicide either with or without adjustment for smoking, drinking, or a history of any chronic disease, including heart disease and stress.…”

Seriousness and lethality of attempted suicide: A systematic review

“…In fact, there is a close relationship between alcohol exposure and lethality of suicide attempts . In particular, such lethality increases in individuals with mood disorders (Sher et al, 2009) and, on the other hand, chronic alcohol dependence promotes depression (Yoshimasu et al, 2008): therefore the interactive effects of substance abuse and mood disorders can be considered one of the most lethal risk factors of suicide attempts.…”

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