Predictive factors for further suicidal behaviour after a suicide attempt: preliminary results

Introduction. The attempted suicides (AS) are considered the most important predictive factors for a next possible individual's suicide. Despite several studies on the relevance of the different risk factors of AS, there are few studies that have investigated variables associated with a higher risk of relapse of suicidal behaviours. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of predictive factors for further AS within a short period, in a sample of patients who came for medical observation for an AS. Materials and method. All the patients attending the Emergency Room of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital for an AS from March to September 2007 were recruited. Social and demographic parameters were reported and the Intent Score Scale (ISS) was used, a scale to evaluate the suicidal intent. One month after the initial examination clinical conditions and the further occurrence of AS was evaluated by means of a telephone interview. Results. Twenty-five patients were recruited. The subscale "Circumstances relating to suicidal attempt" of the ISS showed predictive faculties for further AS (OR=3.56, CI=0.84-7.15; p=0.05). Moreover, it was observed a remarkable increase of incidence of further AS in the subgroup of unemployed/underemployed patients (p=0.012). Conclusions. The association between the subscale "Circumstances relating to suicidal attempt" score and the incidence of further AS seems to confirm the higher risk for further AS in patients that showed a high suicidal intent in the previous attempts. The higher incidence of further AS among the unemployed/underemployed patients seem to confirm the influence exercised by the distress triggered by occupational difficulties regarding the suicidal behavior.