Citation

Pfaff JJ, Almeida OP, Witte TK, Waesche MC, Joiner TE. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 2007; 37(6): 616-626.

Affiliation

Western Australian Center for Health and Ageing, School of Psychiatry&Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1521/suli.2007.37.6.616

PMID

18275368

Abstract

Relatively little research has been conducted on the relationship between alcohol misuse and suicidal behavior among the elderly. The current study's aim was to examine whether quantity and frequency of alcohol use and the interaction between these variables are related to current suicidal ideation, previous suicidal ideation/intent, and past suicide attempts in a community sample of 1,010 Australian adults over age 60. Results partially supported our hypotheses. The interaction between quantity and frequency of alcohol use was significant, suggesting that those who use alcohol less frequently but in greater quantities (i.e., binge drinking) are more likely to have a history of suicide attempts.

Language: en