Beck Suicide Intent Scale Research Articles

Self-poisoning with paracetamol in England: short report of characteristics of individuals and their overdoses according to source of tablets.

Self-poisoning with paracetamol is the most frequently used overdose method in the UK. Psychosocial assessments were conducted by mental health clinicians with 127 consecutive individuals who presented with pure paracetamol overdoses to a large general hospital over 8 months, including asking about the source of the tablets and scoring the patients' acts on the Beck Suicide Intent scale (BSI). Patients were predominantly female (86%) and young (79% aged 12-24 years). Most had used paracetamol which was available in the home (77%). Those who purchased paracetamol for the act took double the number of tablets compared with those who used paracetamol available in the home (37 v. 18), had higher suicidal intent (mean BSI: 11 v. 7) and more often required treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (71% v. 43%). These results highlight the need for safer home storage of paracetamol and consideration of reducing pack size limits on paracetamol that can be purchased.

A Study on Suicidal Intent, Quality of Life, Medical and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry

Background- Cancer is now widely recognised as a new epidemic globally which accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in year 2020. Aims and Objectives-The aim of the study was to estimate suicidal ideation among cancer patients and to evaluate the association between suicidal intent with the quality of life, medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Methods-The study group included 70 cancer patients who were surgically treated in the Department of Surgical Oncology in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The sample size was calculated using Open Epi Version 3.0. Sampling was done using consecutive sampling method. The study was conducted from March 2021 to September 2022. A socio-demographic information form, HADS (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), Beck Suicide Intent Scale and WHO-QOL BREF (WHO Quality of Life BREF) were used. Results- In our study 12.9% reported having attempted suicide in the recent past, 18.6% scored abnormal on anxiety scale and 40% scored depression level on HADS. Conclusions- Cancer patients are at increased risk of developing many psychiatric illnesses including anxiety, depression and suicidal attempts. The QOL of cancer patients are affected by these psychiatric comorbidities. Timely assessment and intervention can improve their QOL and also reduce the risks of suicide. There is a significant correlation between anxiety, depression and suicide attempt. Keywords: Suicide, Anxiety, Quality of Life, Cancer .

Maladaptive Personality Traits of Inpatients with Self-Harm Behavior and Its Association with Suicide Intent Severity.

Introduction: Inpatients with self-harm behavior utilize a high proportion of health care resources, and determining their suicide risk may be challenging. This study examines how maladaptive personality traits in people who self-harm are associated with suicide intent severity. Methods: This was a 5-month cross-sectional study. The International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE) ICD-10 questionnaire, Beck's Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) 21 were administered. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded with STATA version 10.1 for statistical analyses. Results: Thirty-seven out of 40 (92.50%) inpatients participated in this study. About two-thirds (n = 24, 64.86%) were first-time self-harmers, with self-poisoning (n = 33, 89.19%) being the most common method. About two-thirds (n = 24, 64.86%) had low to moderate suicide intent. The most common diagnosis was adjustment disorder (n = 21, 56.76%). Around one-third had at least severe ratings for depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. All screened positive for at least one class of maladaptive personality traits, with the majority (n = 33, 89.19%) having more than one class of maladaptive personality traits. The three most prevalent classes of maladaptive personality traits were anankastic (n = 28, 75.68%), schizoid (n = 25, 67.57%), and paranoid (n = 23, 62.16%). Only dissocial traits were positively correlated with suicide intent severity (regression coefficient = 1.37, p = .017) following adjustment for the most important confounder, DASS 21. Discussion: Maladaptive personality traits were common in inpatients with self-harm behavior, with dissocial traits being positively correlated with suicide intent severity. This finding may inform suicide prevention strategies for patients who self-harm.

Depression, Anxiety and Social Support as Predictors of Suicide Intent among Self-Harm Inpatients

Objective: to examine depression, anxiety and social support as predictors of suicide intent among self-harm inpatients.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Foundation University, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2019 to Oct 2020.
 Methodology: A clinical sample of 220 self-harm patients aged 18 to 35 years was collected from different mental health departments of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Multan hospitals. Beck Suicide Intent Scale, Depression and Anxiety subscales of DASS-42 and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were administered to assess suicide intent, depression, anxiety and social support.
 Results: Results of current research revealed that depression and anxiety had a significant positive correlation with suicide intent (r = 0.71 & 0.29, respectively). Moreover, depression and anxiety were significantly positively predicted by suicide intent. Social support had a significant negative correlation with suicide intent and significantly negatively predicted suicide intent.
 Conclusion: The study revealed that depression and anxiety were significant positive predictors of suicide intent among selfharm inpatients, whereas social support was a significant negative predictor of suicide intent and, thus, contributed to the continued growth of exploring an etiological model of self-harm.

Suicidal Attempt among Psychiatry Patients Presented to the Department of Emergency of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

More than 700, 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. A total of 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. There is an increasing number of suicide all over the world. There is limited data regarding this issue. The available data are based on police reports or on specific populations. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients presented to the Department of Emergency of a tertiary care centre. A Descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre from January 2019 to July 2020 after taking Ethical approval from the same institute. Beck Suicide Intent Scale, MINI-7, IPDE and PLESS were used to assess suicidal intent, psychiatric comorbidities, personality disorder and life stress event scores respectively. Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecological Model was used to access various stressors. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. The Prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients in the emergency department was 265 (24.50%), (21.66-26.74, 95% Confidence Interval). The majority were females 135 (51%). The majority attempted at home 238 (89.81%). Poisoning was the most common mode of attempting suicide. The Prevalence of suicidal attempts among psychiatry patients was higher than in the other studies done in similar settings. comorbidity; cross-sectional studies; prevalence; psychosocial factors; suicide attempt.

Current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent in patients with intentional acute pesticide poisoning.

Since pesticides have been widely used in agricultural production, acute pesticide poisoning (APP) has gradually become a worldwide public health problem. Recently, the number of APP cases has been high in China, and the intentional self-administration of pesticides is the main cause of APP. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on the factors influencing suicidal intent in patients with intentional APP. This study aimed to explore the current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent among patients with intentional APP. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 225 patients with intentional APP admitted to the emergency department of our Grade A comprehensive hospital in Shandong Province between June 2019 and January 2021. Patients were investigated using a health status interview questionnaire, Beck Suicidal Intent Scale, Duke Social Support Index, psychological stress scale, Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Descriptive statistics, single-factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Suicidal intent scores were collected and averaged (14.23 ± 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, residential area, impulsivity, hopelessness, depression, psychological strain, and social support impact suicidal intent. Patients with intentional APP have high suicidal intent. Therefore, different interventions should be tailored to different patients.

The Psychological Impact of Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic From South East Asian Country.

The present study addressed overcoming the lacunae in the literature of psychiatric manifestations associated with rhino-orbital mucormycosis. The current study aimed to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, coping measures, suicidal intent, and visual disability in patients of rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM) during the epidemic of the disease at the nodal tertiary care center in North India. Fifty-four inpatients of laboratory-proven rhino-orbital mucor-mycosis (ROM)were included for an observational, cross-sectional study at nodal, designated COVID-19, and mucormycosis treating tertiary care hospital. Patients with Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination score <24, prior psychiatric illness, and severely ill requiring ventilator support were excluded. The psychological variables were assessed using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21), Beck's Suicide intent Scale, Coping Scale Questionnaire, and Visual disability scale (IND-VFQ33). Their socioeconomic status was assessed using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Ninety percent of patients with ROM had diabetes mellitus. The majority (44%) of patients belonged to lower socioeconomic strata. Higher frequencies of severe depression (28%), extremely severe anxiety (26%), and mild stress (17%) were noted in the study participants. On the Tukey test, depression score was higher in patients of ROM compared to COVID (with ROM) (p-value= 0.016). On Tukey analysis, anxiety score was significantly higher in ROM patients compared to COVID (with ROM) patients (p-value = 0.018). Coping scores were significantly higher in COVID (with ROM) patients compared to ROM patients (p value = 0.035). Mild to moderate visual disability was noted in the study participants. Conclusion: The current study reflects the association of higher depression and anxiety scores in cases with ROM that indicated higher mental health needs. Early assessment, early detection, and early intervention for psychological help, along with themultidisciplinary team, helped toimprovethe overallpsychological outcome of the affected patients.

Impact of mood disorders and personality disorders on suicide intent among self-harm patients.

The present research examined the impact of mood disorder and personality disorders on suicide intent among self-harm patients using cross sectional research design. A clinical sample of 220 self-harm inpatients with age of 18 to 35 years was collected through purposive sampling technique from different mental health departments of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Multan hospitals. Study was conducted from June 2019 till November, 2021. Data was compiled in three steps. In step-I, rapport was established with patients and identification of intent was carried out by administering Beck Suicide Intent Scale. In step-II, mental illness was identified by administering Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire and subscale of Depression from Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. In step-III, in order to confirm his / her responses and diagnosis, a detailed semi-structured clinical interview was carried out with each participant who responded positively to Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire. Results revealed that bipolar spectrum disorder, depression and antisocial personality disorder were significantly positive predictors of suicide intent among self-harm patients. On the other hand, narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder were found to be significantly negative predictors of suicide intent among self-harm patients. Results of current research highlighted those predisposing factors that discriminate self-harm from attempted suicide. The study has important implications for identification of intent of self-harm patients, which could help in devising a proper treatment plan for the management of such challenging patients.

Urdu Translation and Validation of Beck Suicide Intent Scale Among Patients with Self-Harming Behavior

Literature emphasizes that there is an increasing need to assess underlying suicide intent among patients with self-harm. Since, Beck Suicide Intent Scale (Beck, 1991) is most frequently used instrument to assess underlying suicide intent in clinical setting, the aim of present research was to translate Beck Suicide Intent Scale into Urdu, to examine cross-cultural validation and estimate reliability of Urdu translated scale; a cross-sectional research design was used. A clinical sample of forty patients with self-harm with age of 18 to 35 years was collected from different mental health departments of hospitals in Rawalpindi, Multan and Jehlum, Pakistan. Study was conducted in two phases; in phase I Urdu translation of Beck Suicide Intent Scale was carried out using guidelines by Brislin (1970). In phase II, cross-language validation was conducted through test-retest Cronbach alpha reliability estimation and item-total correlations. Results of current research revealed that Urdu-Urdu group had high correlation coefficients than English-English with acceptable Cronbach alpha reliabilities were adequate. Moreover, significant positive item correlation with composite score of Beck Suicide Intent Scale was found. The findings of current research established that Urdu-version of Beck Suicide Intent scale was reliable and valid for use in Pakistani culture.

EVALUATION OF STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS AND SUICIDAL INTENT IN PATIENTS WITH DELIBERATE SELF HARM

Background: Deliberate Self Harm (DSH) is a psychiatric emergency. Stressors in life, suicidal intent and social variables like marital status, family, and social support are among the many determinants of DSH and have shown to be strongly associated with suicide. Aim was Methodology to evaluate stressful life events and suicidal intent in those who attempted DSH. Sixty consecutive patients admitted with attempted suicide were interviewed. Deliberate Self Harm Inventory, Beck Suicidal Intent Scale and Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale were used along with a semi structured proforma during interview. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical tests. The demographical mean age of the Results participants was 25.2 years and 63% of participants were females.71.1% of the patients had stressful life event score between 101 and 200. About 66.7% had medium intent and 88.3% participants had self harm through poisoning. Patients of a Conclusion ttempted suicide had medium suicidal intent and poisoning was the commonly preferred method of self harm. This study implies that suicide attempters should be specically looked for suicidal intent and their coping styles, so as to plan appropriate psychiatric therapy to prevent future suicide attempt.

Childhood maltreatment increases the suicidal risk in Chinese schizophrenia patients.

ObjectivesChildhood trauma might be a modifiable risk factor among adults with serious mental illness. However, the correlation of child trauma and suicide is unclear, which were cited most frequently as the biggest challenge to schizophrenia (SCZ) patients in China. We aim to study relationships between child trauma and suicide in SCZ patients of different disease stages.MethodsNinety-one participants were included and divided into two groups, namely, first-episode group (n = 46), relapsed group (n = 45). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to evaluate the severity of psychotic symptoms. The Beck's Suicide Intent Scale and The Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk were conducted by patient self-report to assess suicide symptom. The childhood trauma questionnaire was used to estimate severity of traumatic stress experienced during childhood.ResultsChildhood trauma and different dimensions of suicide were significantly higher in the relapsed group than first-episode group (P < 0.01, respectively). BMI has a significant positive relationship with recent psychosocial stress (β = 0.473, t = 3.521, P < 0.001) in first-episode group. As in relapsed group, BMI has a positive effect between severe mental illness and suicide ideation (β = 0.672, t = 5.949, P < 0.001; β = 0.909, t = 2.463, P < 0.001), Furthermore, emotional neglect presented positively related to the suicide risk and proneness to suicidal behavior (β = 0.618, t = 5.518, P < 0.001; β = 0.809, t = 5.356, P < 0.001).ConclusionRelapsed group of patients had significantly more severe childhood trauma, recent psychosocial stress, suicidal risk and proneness to suicidal behavior. BMI and emotional neglect are unique predictors for different dimensions of suicide.

Psychosocial and Psychiatric Factors Associated with Expected Fatality during Suicide Attempt in Men and Women.

Differential factors that influence intention and subjectively perceived fatality during non-fatal suicidal acts amongst men and women have rarely been explored in the extant literature. Exploring these factors may help to understand how they influence medical outcomes and may also be used in a post-crisis counselling. This study aims to assess factors influencing intent in relation to expected fatality during suicidal acts in men and women. In the current study, 433 individuals who attempted suicide (age 24.89±0.98 years, male/female ratio=1.29) were surveyed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Suicide Intent Scale, Plutchik Feelings and Acts of Violence Scale, and Spielberger State/Trait Anger Scale. Life stress was evaluated as an accumulation of negative life events, whilst psychiatric disorders were assessed using CIDI 2.1 inventory. It was found that the higher expected fatality was associated with higher suicide intention scores, whereas the medical severity of attempts and violent/non-violent attempts distribution did not differ between groups. Although there was no difference in suicide intent scores and medical severity between men and women, men demonstrated a 2.4-3.5 times higher proportion of violent attempts, depending on the group. Higher perceived fatality was associated with lower general well-being, higher depression and violence, hopelessness, and total life stress in men, whereas among women higher perceived fatality was only associated with total life stress. Moreover, in men and women, higher intent and expected fatality was associated with a differential set of negative life events that occurred during childhood. The prevalence of mental health disturbances in the entire sample was about 50% and equally distributed among men and women. However, addictions prevailed among men, while neurotic and stress-related disorders were more common among women. Among those who expected more fatality the number of people with diagnoses and comorbidity was higher, especially in men. There is a difference in risk factors for expected fatality and intent in men and women attempting suicide, which may not necessarily result in severe medical outcomes but may help during the post-crisis counseling of suicide attempters. Expected fatality deserves more attention as a component of general intent. An in-depth study of this phenomenon may help to understand motives of men and women attempting suicide and help prevent future suicidal attempts.

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Background:In patients suffering with anxiety spectrum disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks/disorder, there may be increased risk of suicide. There are only few studies which revealed that increase in the severity of anxiety is associated with increased risk of suicide. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide risks among patients with Anxiety Spectrum disorders attending Psychiatry OPD in a tertiary care hospital.Methodology:This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done between January 2021 to April 2021.A total of 100 patients diagnosed to have different anxiety spectrum disorders diagnosed according to International classification of diseases -10 criteria are included in the study. Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety was applied to assess the severity of anxiety and the suicide risk was assessed using Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 24 using appropriate statistical tests.Results:Our study showed no significant association between the severity of anxiety and risk of suicide. There was no significant association between the duration of anxiety with the suicide risk.Conclusion:We found that there is no increased risk of suicide in patients with severe anxiety. But still there is a need to assess the risk of suicide in patients with anxiety disorders as in our study patients with obsessive compulsive disorders showed high scores on Beck suicide intent scale.

Suicide means, timing, intent and behavior characteristics of the suicides with schizophrenia

BackgroundStudies have been reported on suicide and schizophrenic suicide, but few compared certain characteristics of suicides with and without schizophrenia. MethodsA sample of 392 suicides was consecutively recruited from 16 counties in three provinces of China. Psychological autopsy method was applied to collect the information through informants. The questionnaire of characteristics for suicidal behavior, Beck's Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), and the DSM-IV based SCID were applied. ResultsAbout 9.7% of the sampled suicides (n = 38) were diagnosed with schizophrenia, and they were more likely to be female and older in age. No significant differences were found on violent suicide means, but significant differences within non-violent means between two groups. Schizophrenic suicide was more likely to happen in the second quarter of the year (April – June), middle of the month (11th-20th), and in the afternoon (3:01 pm – 6:00 pm). The schizophrenic suicides had higher suicide intent than those without schizophrenia and were more inclined to be isolated, more likely to tell people their suicide intent, and less likely to prepare posthumous papers. ConclusionSchizophrenic suicides have unique characteristics, and targeted preventive measures should be taken to prevent schizophrenic suicides. To accurately identify characteristics of suicide behavior is meaningful to prevent schizophrenic suicides in clinical practice.

Psychiatric comorbidities among a sample of suicidal adolescents presenting to poison control center, Ain shams university

Abstract Background Suicide is a major cause of death all over the world with increasing risk especially in adolescents. Multiple studies have been conducted to study the risk factors and the underlying causes that lead to suicide. However, there is scarcity of data regarding suicide in adolescents. As it’s well known that most of psychiatric illnesses can be complicated with suicide especially those related to personality and substance use disorders. For Egypt, adolescents represent almost one third of the total population, hence the importance of studying the risk factors and associated psychiatric comorbidities that may lead to adolescence suicide in order to reach proper intervention plans. One of the most powerful double-sided weapons in that matter is the internet and social media use, as there has been a debate around whether it’s beneficial in seeking professional help or harmful as it may introduce methods of suicide and block any means of getting help Hence, was the hope of this study to provide an understanding of the prevalence of suicide among adolescents and the underlying psychiatric comorbidities to reach proper intervention and prevention plans. Aim of the Work This study aimed at detecting the occurrence rate of suicide and suicide related behaviors and the underlying psychiatric comorbidities among a sample of 241 suicidal adolescents aged 12-18 presenting to poison control center, Ain Shams University and also To identify factors which are associated with high suicidal intent And compare the sociodemographic variables and the increase in electronic device /social use among adolescents with suicidal attempts versus non-suicidal adolescents. Patients and Methods This is a descriptive Cross-sectional study hospital-based study conducted in poison control center of Ain Shams University hospital. The present study aimed at detecting the occurrence rate of suicide among 241 adolescents, over six months period from February 2019 to July 2019. The socioeconomic status was assessed using Socioeconomic status scale (SES), the suicide intent was assessed using the beck suicide intent scale and the psychiatric comorbidities were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatry Interview for children and adolescents kid scale

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION TENTANG PENCEGAHAN RISIKO BUNUH DIRI TERHADAP PERILAKU RISIKO BUNUH DIRI PADA REMAJA BERISIKO

Backgorund: One of the problems in teenagers is suicide. Suicide is one of the impacts of psychiatric disorder that is the current global spotlight. One of the prevention of suicide risks in teenagers can be done by a focus group discussion (fgd). Objective: Analyze the influence of fgd on suicide risk prevention against suicide risk behaviors in adolescents at risk. Research methods: This research used experimental quasi pretest-posttest with control group design with 15 students for the control group and 15 students for the intervention group. Which taken using total sampling technique. Instruments to assess suicide risk behaviors used Beck Suicidal Intent Scale. Scores for suicide behaviours before and after given a fgd were analysed with Wilcoxon statistical trials.Result: Wilcoxon test analysis results obtained P = 0.55 which means p &gt; 0.05. 15 it means that there is no influence offgd on the prevention of suicide risk against suicide risk behavior in adolescents at riskConclusion: There was no influence offgd on the prevention of suicide risk against suicide risk behavior in adolescents at the risk of 1 Bululawang High School.Tip: Further researchers are expected to add longer research time in subsequent studies to explore information on the risk of suicide.

PREVALENCE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER ATTENDING PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

ORIGINAL ARTICLE&#x0D; PREVALENCE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER ATTENDING PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN&#x0D; Ahmed Waheed, M. Ismail Tariq, Sumira Qambar Bokhari, Shahid Hameed Warris, Aysha Rashid, Surya Fazal Hashmi.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; ABSTRACT&#x0D; Background: &#x0D; Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating disease which runs a chronic course and affects patient’s functioning badly. Frequency of Suicidal thoughts and attempts is much more common in OCD patients than it was thought previously.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: &#x0D; To determine the frequency of suicidal ideation among patients with obsessive compulsive disorder presenting in a tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material &amp; Methods&#x0D; This Cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care hospital on 159 patients of OCD. Demographic data was taken. All patients were assessed for history of suicidal attempt. History of suicidal ideation was obtained from patients on a Performa comprising of BECK suicidal intent scale. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 20.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; Suicidal ideation was found in 40(25.2%) patients. Frequency of suicidal ideation was higher among female (57.5%) patients as compared to male (42.5%) patients. Socio-demographic factors like age, gender, duration of OCD, marital status, educational status and financial condition did not show any statistically significant association with suicidal ideation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Current study showed that suicidal ideation was present in 25% of the patients of OCD which signifies the importance of assessment of suicidal ideation in all OCD patients routinely.&#x0D; &#x0D; Key words:&#x0D; Suicidal ideation, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Psychiatry department.&#x0D;

Identifying the Medical Lethality of Suicide Attempts Using Network Analysis and Deep Learning: Nationwide Study.

BackgroundSuicide is one of the leading causes of death among young and middle-aged people. However, little is understood about the behaviors leading up to actual suicide attempts and whether these behaviors are specific to the nature of suicide attempts.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine the clusters of behaviors antecedent to suicide attempts to determine if they could be used to assess the potential lethality of the attempt. To accomplish this goal, we developed a deep learning model using the relationships among behaviors antecedent to suicide attempts and the attempts themselves.MethodsThis study used data from the Korea National Suicide Survey. We identified 1112 individuals who attempted suicide and completed a psychiatric evaluation in the emergency room. The 15-item Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) was used for assessing antecedent behaviors, and the medical outcomes of the suicide attempts were measured by assessing lethality with the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS; lethal suicide attempt >3 and nonlethal attempt ≤3).ResultsUsing scores from the SIS, individuals who had lethal and nonlethal attempts comprised two different network nodes with the edges representing the relationships among nodes. Among the antecedent behaviors, the conception of a method’s lethality predicted suicidal behaviors with severe medical outcomes. The vectorized relationship values among the elements of antecedent behaviors in our deep learning model (E-GONet) increased performances, such as F1 and area under the precision-recall gain curve (AUPRG), for identifying lethal attempts (up to 3% for F1 and 32% for AUPRG), as compared with other models (mean F1: 0.81 for E-GONet, 0.78 for linear regression, and 0.80 for random forest; mean AUPRG: 0.73 for E-GONet, 0.41 for linear regression, and 0.69 for random forest).ConclusionsThe relationships among behaviors antecedent to suicide attempts can be used to understand the suicidal intent of individuals and help identify the lethality of potential suicide attempts. Such a model may be useful in prioritizing cases for preventive intervention.

First episode depression in women- a study of clinical characteristics through the female reproductive stages in a rural tertiary care center in Kerala

Background: The lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorders is 10-25% for women and 5-12% for men. Women are more prone to develop depressive episode from the period of menarche to the perimenopausal period. Relatively little research has been done on this. Materials and methods: Female patients between the ages of 12 years to 55 years presenting in the outpatient department with first episode depressive symptoms are selected (ICD 10) and the number of patients presenting in different stages of the reproductive cycle – perimenarche, pregnancy, post-partum, post abortion and perimenopausal are noted. Age at onset, severity of the illness, positive family history, presence of somatic and hypochondriac symptoms, and suicidal intent (Beck suicidal intent scale, Hamilton rating scale for depression) were noted. Results and discussion: Out of the total 120 patients, 53 were in the perimenopause state, 23 in the perimenarche, 5 in pregnancy, 14 in the post-partum, and 7 as post abortion. The mean age of onset of depressive disorders is 36.7 years (SD- 13.67). The severity of the depressive episode is significantly higher towards the younger age group (<30years) and number of patients presenting with somatic symptoms are much higher towards the older age group (41-55years). There is no significant difference in presence of positive family history, hypochondriasis and suicidal intent among various age groups. Conclusion: Perimenopausal and perimenarche periods show higher prevalence of depressive disorders during female reproductive cycle. Biological changes in reproductive cycle can cause increase prevalence of depression in women.

A Comparative study of impulsivity, lethality and intent among patients attempting suicide by self-immolation and poisoning

Background: Suicide is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the world as well as India. Poisoning is one of the most common modes of attempting suicide. Self-immolation is a devastating form of suicide attempt. Impulsivity has been demonstrated as an important risk factor for suicide. Lethality and intent were found to be interrelated in previous studies. But a comparative study of impulsivity, lethality and intent between self-immolation and poisoning was not found in a literature search. Objectives: To compare socio-demographic characteristics, impulsivity, intent and lethality in those who attempt suicide by self-immolation and poisoning. To find the intercorrelations between intent, impulsivity and lethality. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was done among persons attempting suicide by self-immolation (n=40) and poisoning (n=50). Barratt's impulsivity scale, Smith's LSARS (lethality of suicide attempt rating scale) and Beck's suicide intent scale were used to assess impulsivity, lethality and intent, respectively. Percentages, mean, median and range were used to describe the data. Chi-square test, t-test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results and discussion: There were significant associations between occupation, family income and socioeconomic status and mode of suicide attempt. Lethality was higher in self-immolation. Lethality and intent were significantly intercorrelated in both groups. Impulsivity and lethality were negatively correlated in the self-immolation group. Conclusion: Self-immolation is a highly lethal method of attempting suicide. Highly lethal suicide attempts have high intent. Greater the impulsivity, less lethal the attempt is likely to be.