%0 Journal Article
%T Clinical evolution after self-induced or accidental traumatism: a controlled study of the extent and the specificity of suicidal catharsis
%J Journal of affective disorders
%D 2005
%A Jallade, C.
%A Sarfati, Yves
%A Hardy-Baylé, Marie-Christine
%V 85
%N 3
%P 283-292
%X BACKGROUND: The cathartic effect has been related to the short-term decrease of depressive symptomatology following the suicide attempt. This study aimed to clarify the extent of this clinical improvement to non self-induced traumas and other suicidal dimensions. METHODS: Twenty-six recent suicide attempters were compared with 21 control subjects admitted to the surgical ward after an accident-induced trauma. They completed several assessments the day after the admission and one week after discharge: Hamilton and Carroll Depression scales, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Hopelessness scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, MMPI (abbreviated version), Global Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Depression, anxiety-state, two sub-scales of the MMPI (Hysteria, Depression) and general functioning improved significantly in the suicide attempters group. Measures of impulsivity and hopelessness remained stable during the follow-up. LIMITATIONS: These results cannot not be generalized to all suicide attempters and we did not take account of the lethality and severity of the suicidal method used. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the specific role of deliberate self-aggression in the cathartic effect and the trait value of both impulsivity and hopelessness.
%G 
%I Elsevier Publishing
%@ 0165-0327
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2004.11.002