Abstract

RODRIGUEZ PULIDO, Francisco et al. Community study on a parasuicidal population: Clinical identification of repetition risk. Eur. J. Psychiat. [online]. 2009, vol.23, n.4, pp.203-213. ISSN 0213-6163.

Background and Objectives: The greatest predictor of eventual suicide is parasuicide. The aim of this research was to identify the clinical features that can identify people with high parasuicide purpose among a parasuicidal population. Methods: A total of 48 persons who had commited a parasuicide episode 2-6 years after, were interviewed and classified according Research Diagnostic Criteria. During the interviews, socio-demographic data and psychopathological features were picked up through several scales. Scores on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and The Plutchick Impulsivity Scale (PI) were measured. These persons were then followed-up for two years. Results: At follow-up, eight persons (16,7%) had repeated at least one parasuicide act. On comparison of repeaters and no repeaters, a higher significant differences in the final values reported in BHS was found but not significative differences were founded in the BAI, BHS or PI scores or in the proportion of the different mental illness (according RDC). An interesting finding is that in the repeaters group the average value in the IP scale tended to be lower than in the non-repeaters, although not significant. A high percentage (72.8%) related the existence of negative vital events with their suicide attempt, more often, relationship problems with the spouse (42.8%), with their parents (17.1%) or the breakdown of an interpersonal relationship (14.2%). Conclusions: In persons who have a past history of previous parasuicides, a high value in BHS is associated with the risk of repetition in the subsequent two years.

Keywords : Parasuicide; Suicide; Impulsivity; Hopelessness; Community study.

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