Citation

Diehl A, Laranjeira R. J. Bras. Psiquiatr. 2009; 58(2): 86-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Instituto De Psiquiatria)

DOI

10.1590/S0047-20852009000200003

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Describe suicide attempts assisted in an emergency room (ER) and acute substance consumption or dependence on these individuals.

METHODS: Descriptive epidemiologic study was carried out during one year, evaluating suicide attempts assisted at Embu das Artes ER, São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were scheduled to a non structured psychiatric interview. Main outcomes measures were: socio demographic data, suicide attempt method, drugs or alcohol acute use in the six hours prior to attempt, patients with ICD-10 substance dependence diagnosis. The descriptive analyses and chi-square test (p < 0.05) were used to verify associations between the variables studied.

RESULTS: sample was formed of 80 patients, mean age of 26.9 years (SD = 8.91), predominantly female (72.5%) and 21.2% adolescents. Most suicide attempts were made through medicine ingestion (62.5%). Approximately 21.2% and 7.5% related to have used alcohol and an illicit drug respectively within 6 hours prior to attempt and 10% were found to be substance dependent. All substance dependents had attempted suicide previously (p-value = 0.4). There was a significant association between suicide attempt through medicine ingestion and psychiatric treatment history (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: More national studies are necessary to consider the role of alcohol and drug in suicide attempts assisted in ER, especially in chemical dependents whose suicidal behavior is relevant.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; Brazil; female; male; alcohol; Suicide attempt; suicide attempt; addiction; substance abuse; alcohol consumption; article; major clinical study; disease association; epidemiological data; emergency ward; demography; illicit drug; outcomes research; chi square test; Emergency service; international classification of diseases; Alcohol drinking; Substance related disorders