The Contribution of Environmental Events and Social Support to Serious Suicide Attempts in Primary Depressive Disorder

Interviewed patients about the events that occurred to them or their spouse in the year previous to the suicide attempt. Only primary depressive attempters were selected. Results show that the occurrence of serious suicide attempts is strongly associated with an increased rate of independent events. Data also suggest that exit events, where an important social support is lost, may play a significant role in initiating an attempt. Implications for the highest risk period are discussed.