P-1435 - Gender Differences of Suicide Attempts in Belarus

Abstract

Objectives:

To find out difference of methods and circumstances of parasuicides, anamnesis of suicidal behavior in men and women.

Object of study: suicide attempters over 15 years old admitted to the psychiatric hospital within one month after parasuicide (N=264; 114 men, 149 women).

Methods:

EPSIS 5.1 based questionnaires; the Motive for Parasuicide Questionnaire.

Results:

Cutting was the most frequent mean of suicide attempt (48%), poisoning with psychiatric drugs was the second (19.5%), hanging - the third (11%). Men more often used cutting and hanging, women - poisoning with psychiatric drugs (ρ< 0,05). Portion of 56% were alcohol intoxicated at the time of the act (more often - men). Conflict with partner turned to be the most common trigger for men and women. Women more often expressed their motive as “wish to escape” and “wish to attract attention”. Women had more suicide attempts previously (26,8% versus 11,3%). They also expressed their suicidal ideation in direct utterance more often (11,3% men, 26,9% women).

Conclusion:

Men used more violent methods of parasuicides. Women more often used psychotropic drugs, what can be connected with their more intensive contacts with mental health services. For women parasuicide was more common behavior and was more often used as a way of communication. Prevalence of parasuicide methods in Belarus differs from other countries likely due to the discrepancy of patients who are admitted to psychiatric hospitals after suicide attempts.