EPA-0211 - Socio-Demographic and Psychopathological Correlates of Parasuicidal Behavior Among Alcohol Dependent Women

Abstract

Introduction:

It is well recognized that alcohol dependence is among the major risk factors that are associated with suicidal behavior.

Objectives:

This study was design to extend our understanding of alcohol-parasuicidal relationship by examining same of the socio-demographic and mental health characteristics of alcohol dependent women attempted to commit suicide.

Methods:

The relationship between alcohol dependence and parasuicide was studied among patients admitted to a Gomel regional psychiatric hospital (Belarus). A total 48 female alcohol dependent in-patients (ADPS) and a comparison group of 151 non-alcohol dependent parasuicidal inpatients (NADPS) were investigated. The socio-demographic and mental health profile of each group was analyzed.

Results:

Risk factors for parasuicide were acute alcohol intoxication, social dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms. Results show that, compared with NADPS patients, those with an alcohol dependence were younger (34.1 vs. 36.6%; p<0.05), unemployed (54.2 vs. 29.1%; p<0.001), unmarried (72.9 vs. 59.9%; p<0.001), or with a past history of deliberate self-harm (29.2 vs. 20.5%; p<0.05). Consumption of alcohol at the time of the parasuicidal act was reported more commonly by ADPS patients (75.0 vs. 21.2%; p<0.001). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were presented in 64.4% of ADPS and in 93.2% of NADPS patients. The prevalence of affective disorders (10.6 vs. 2.1%; p<0.001), stress-related disorders (22.5 vs. 8.3%; p<0.001) and schizophrenia (9.6 vs. 2.1%; p<0.001) were higher among NADPS compared with ADPS patients.

Conclusions:

These findings are consistent with previous researches indicating a causal role for acute alcohol intoxication in parasuicidal behavior among alcohol dependent individuals.