Czynniki ryzyka podejmowania prób samobójczych u osób leczonych stacjonarnie z powodu uzależnienia od alkoholu w Polsce

Abstract

IntroductionAlcohol dependence is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviours. Current data show that between 14 and 43% of alcohol-dependent patients attempt suicide. The aim of the present study was to analyse the risk factors for suicide attempts among patients treated for alcohol dependence. MethodsMedical data of 994 patients hospitalised in Alcohol Detoxification and Rehabilitation Units of Nowowiejski Hospital in Warsaw were analysed. The relationships between variables that are thought to be related to the prevalence of suicide attempts in this population were evaluated. The relevant psycho-social and demographic data as well as information on alcohol use and treatment history were included. Results292 (29%) patients confirmed suicide attempts in the past. Among the variables included in the logistic regression model, previous episodes of delirium tremens, earlier onset of alcohol dependence, comorbidity of somatic disorders, and unemployment proved to be significant risk factors for previous suicide attempts. DiscussionThe higher prevalence of suicide attempts among patients with previous episodes of delirium tremens and earlier onset of alcohol dependence confirms the relationship between the severity of alcohol dependence and suicide attempts. The effect of unemployment and comorbidity of somatic disorders on incidence of suicide attempts might presumably be mediated by co-occurring pain, depression, and poorer social functioning. ConclusionsEarlier onset of alcohol dependence and previous episodes of delirium tremens are the risk factors of suicide attempts attributable to the severity of alcohol dependence. The other risk factors (unemployment and somatic disorders) are nonspecific to alcohol dependence, and were previously found to increase the risk in various psychiatric populations.