Suicide among Alcoholics in an Outpatient Service

Abstract

Alcoholism is a growing problem throughout Brazil, consumption excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages generates physical, psychological, family and professionals. Among the mental disorders caused by alcoholism, depression and the suicide attempt. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 Millions of people live with depression. For alcoholic patients, the presence of symptoms depression is a risk factor for relapse. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death violence all over the world. Alcohol-dependent individuals are at greater risk of trying to suicide, as well as for the consummation of the act. Objective: To identify the presence of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in alcoholics treated at an outpatient service. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in an outpatient service of a university hospital. Users attended from June 2016 to June 2017 were surveyed. Inclusion criteria: users diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome [SDA]. Data were obtained through analysis of medical records. Statistical analysis was performed by selecting the following variables: sex, age, marital status, education, city, religion, profession, living with the family, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and depression. Results: Of the 139 medical records selected, 31 users (22.3%) had suicidal ideation, 14 (10.1%) had attempted suicide and 27 (19.4%) had a diagnosis of depression. A greater association of women with suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and depression was found. People up to 50 years old were more likely to attempt suicide and individuals with higher education are more likely to attempt suicide and depression. Conclusion: Alcoholism is closely related to suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and depression. In this context, the present study made it possible to identify the presence of these symptoms in alcoholics treated at an outpatient service. Keywords: Alcoholism, Suicide, Depression.