Is Drug Use Related to the Choice of Potentially More Harmful Methods in Suicide Attempts?

Abstract

Objective To identify whether drug abuse is a risk factor for potentially more harmful methods of suicide attempts that could predict suicide completion in the future. Methods: The study involved the assessment of 86 patients who attempted suicide and who were admitted to the emergency ward of a Southwestern Brazilian general hospital. Results: Most patients were women (84.9%), young adults (30.53 ± 10.4 years), and single (61.6%). Recent drug use was reported by 53.5%, and 25.6% reported the use of drugs during the 24-hour period immediately before the suicide attempt. Most patients (75.6%) ingested pills when attempting suicide–-a method considered potentially less harmful. Hanging, jumping, gas inhaling, and wrist cutting accounted for 22.2% of the attempts. Considering dual diagnoses, 54.7% presented with a depressive disorder, 8.1% with a disorder on the impulse control spectrum, and 26.7% reported an associated clinical condition. Recent drug use was predictive of the severity of the suicide attempt, as it was reported by 81% of those who engaged in more harmful attempts and by 46.2% of those who used less harmful methods ( P < 0.01; odds ratio = 4.96; confidence interval: 1.5–16.4). Conclusion: The identified variables associated with the use of potentially more harmful methods in suicide attempts were gender (male), presence of an impulsive control disorder, and recent use of psychoactive drugs.