Impulsivity and Aggression as Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Alcoholics

This study assessed the potential role of impulsive & aggressive behaviour in the pathogenesis of suicide attempts in alcoholics. 182 detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects were enrolled in the study. Alcohol-dependent subjects with a history of suicidal behaviour showed a profile with higher impulsive & aggressive behaviour. No association between these traits & concurrent borderline & antisocial personality disorder was found. Subjects with suicide attempts tended to have a significantly higher rate of depressive disorders. Results suggest impulsive & aggressive traits might contribute significantly to the risk of suicide attempts in alcoholics. (40 refs.) JA