Citation

Modesto-Lowe V, Brooks D, Ghani M. Harv. Rev. Psychiatry 2006; 14(5): 241-248.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Middletown, CT.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, President and Fellows of Harvard College, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1080/10673220600975089

PMID

16990169

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical data suggest high rates of suicidal behavior in alcohol-dependent individuals. Suicide attempters are likely to be young, to be single or separated, and to have made prior attempts. They differ from non-attempters by higher levels of impulsive aggression, drug use, and psychiatric comorbidity, particularly personality and depressive disorders. Treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent individuals often present with multiple risk factors. Early recognition of suicidal behavior is hindered, however, by insufficient data regarding the acute phenomenology of imminent risk. Similarly, little research is available to guide intervention efforts. Initial trials support the use of fluoxetine for the treatment of suicidal, alcohol-dependent persons with comorbid depressive disorders. Future studies may clarify the relative efficacy of various psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches to treating these patients.

Language: en