Citation

Scicchitano C, Caredda M, Tarolla E, Matteucci G, Mandarelli G, Tarsitani L, Polselli GM, Biondi M. Riv. Psichiatr. 2008; 43(3): 160-165.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Introduction. The attempted suicides (AS) are considered the most important predictive factors for a next possible individual's suicide. Despite several studies on the relevance of the different risk factors of AS, there are few studies that have investigated variables associated with a higher risk of relapse of suicidal behaviours. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of predictive factors for further AS within a short period, in a sample of patients who came for medical observation for an AS. Materials and method. All the patients attending the Emergency Room of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital for an AS from March to September 2007 were recruited. Social and demographic parameters were reported and the Intent Score Scale (ISS) was used, a scale to evaluate the suicidal intent. One month after the initial examination clinical conditions and the further occurrence of AS was evaluated by means of a telephone interview.

RESULTS. Twenty-five patients were recruited. The subscale "Circumstances relating to suicidal attempt" of the ISS showed predictive faculties for further AS (OR=3.56, CI=0.84-7.15; p=0.05). Moreover, it was observed a remarkable increase of incidence of further AS in the subgroup of unemployed/underemployed patients (p=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS. The association between the subscale "Circumstances relating to suicidal attempt" score and the incidence of further AS seems to confirm the higher risk for further AS in patients that showed a high suicidal intent in the previous attempts. The higher incidence of further AS among the unemployed/underemployed patients seem to confirm the influence exercised by the distress triggered by occupational difficulties regarding the suicidal behavior.

Language: it

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; psychotherapy; suicide attempt; interview; suicidal behavior; prediction; unemployment; risk factor; article; clinical article; rating scale; demography; relapse; Attempted suicide (AS); Intent Score Scale; Intent Score Scale (ISS); Predictive factors for further attempted suicide