Citation

Veranic LZ, Pregelj P. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 64.

Affiliation

University Psychiatric Hospital Ljubljana, Studenec 48, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia. veranic@siol.net.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963960

Abstract

Abuse of psychoactive substance (PAS) is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. Our aim was to discover if there is a connection between abuse of PAS on one hand and suicidal behaviour, pharmacotherapy and age on the other hand. The study had been done at the Urgent Psychiatry Outpatients Department (UPOD). A total of 2760 patients' documentation who visited UPOD was examined. We divided patients into those who abused PAS and those who did not. Chi-Square test was used for statistical analysis. Significantly more patients who abused PAS attempted suicide (37% vs. 16,9%, N = 2760, p<0,05). There was no statistically significant difference observed between groups regarding the experiencing of suicidal thoughts (17,2 vs. 18,0%, p = NS). The largest group of patients who abused PAS was in the age group from 35 to 65 years (19, 2%). Substance abuse was more frequent among patients whom had already been prescribed pharmacotherapy before they visited UPOD (19,4% vs. 11,4%, p <0,5). Attempted suicide was more frequent with patients who abused PAS. However, we did not find out any difference in the experiencing of suicidal thoughts. More patients who abused PAS had been prescribed pharmacotherapy before visiting UPOD.

Language: en