Citation

Perez J, Beale E, Overholser J, Athey A, Stockmeier C. Death Stud. 2022; 46(3): 619-627.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Translational Research Center (TR415), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2020.1745954

PMID

32238058

Abstract

The combined presence of depression with alcohol abuse can increase suicide risk. We used psychological autopsy to evaluate 101 individuals who died by suicide, to understand relationships between stressful life events, alcohol abuse, and depression. As compared to suicidal adults with depression only, individuals meeting criteria for both a depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder tended to be younger and experienced higher rates of stressful life events during the six months prior to death. Alcohol abuse likely influences interpersonal conflict, financial distress, and legal problems. Interventions focusing on managing life problems may help to reduce suicide risk.

Language: en