Single versus Multiple Suicide Attempts: A Prospective Examination of Psychiatric Factors and Wish to Die/Wish to Live Index

Abstract

Abstract : Suicide continues to be a major public health concern within the United States (U.S.) and within the U.S. military. A history of suicide attempt has been identified as a key risk factor for eventual death by suicide. Individuals with multiple suicide attempts present a more severe clinical picture and may be at greater risk for suicide than those with a single attempt. To date, no studies directly attempt to address differences in single versus multiple suicide attempt status individuals within an active duty military sample and a civilian sample, as well as understand how these individuals may differ in symptomatology over time. The goals of this study were threefold: (1) to confirm that individuals with multiple versus a single suicide attempt exhibit a more severe clinical picture; (2) to determine if multiple attempt individuals sustain a more severe clinical picture over time compared to single suicide attempt individuals; and (3) to evaluate potential differences between civilian and military individuals with multiple suicide attempts.