“Impulsivity as predictor of severity of suicidal intent in attempted suicidal patients at general hospital setting.”

Abstract

Background: There is increased prevalence of suicidal rates in our country. Despite impulsivity as an important component of suicidal behaviour, there are few empirical studies evaluating the role of impulsivity in suicidal behaviour. Aims: This study is aimed to assess the role of impulsivity predicting severity of suicidal intent in attempted suicidal patients at general hospital setting. Methods: Consecutive 50 cases of attempted suicide referred to Department of Psychiatry, SVRRGG Hospital, Tirupati from various departments were recruited for the study over a period of 3 months. The subjects were assessed using semi structured pro-forma covering socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients followed by Barratt's Impulsivity scale and Beck's suicidal intent scale. Results: We found significant association between Barratt impulsivity scale score and Beck's suicide intent scale score. Attentional impulsivity is significant predictor of high suicidal intent. Conclusion: Impulsivity has a significant role in predicting severity of suicidal intent in subjects who attempted..

Keywords

• impulsivity
• suicidal intent
• suicidal attempt
• socio-demographic factors.