Suicide Ideators And Attempters - Differences And Risk Factors For The Use Of Violent Methods At Admission In A Psychiatric Ward

OBJECTIVES: The study addressed two major issues: (1) how patients admitted to a psychiatric ward with suicide ideation differ from patients who attempted suicide in the last 24-48 hours and (2) which characteristics are associated with violent methods in the suicide attempt. METHODS: Data from all patients admitted for suicide ideation or attempt were collected, including sociodemographic and clinical variables (psychiatric diagnosis and history of substance use disorder, method utilized, precipitating factor, seasonality of the episode, length of inpatient stay, history of suicidal attempts and nonsuicidal self-injuries (NSSI), family history of suicide attempts). Results were calculated using chi-square with Fisher's exact tests, independent sample t-test and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 106 admissions (58 ideators and 48 attempters) were identified. Attempters (compared to ideators) were significantly more frequently male, retired or unemployed, had more frequently a psychotic diagnosis and a history of drug use disorder and less frequently previous suicide attempts. Attempters who used violent methods (compared to those who used deliberate self-poisoning) were significantly more often male, had a psychosis diagnosis and a superior length of inpatient stay but had less frequently previous NSSI. Independent risk factors for attempted suicide included psychosis diagnosis and history of drug use disorder. Female gender was protective. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a characterization of suicide ideators and attempters in a sample of psychiatric inpatients. The identification of risk factors and its early recognition are crucial interventions for suicide prevention.