The Role of Depressive Disorder in Suicidal Behavior of Alcoholics

The role of depression in alcoholic suicide was investigated in a sample of 330 chronic alcoholics. 41% had distinct suicidal tendencies & 15% of those had made at least one serious attempt. Depression was measured by the MADRS & the MMPI. Depressive disorders appeared more often in alcoholics with suicidal behavior than the non-suicidals. 1/3 of the suicidal alcoholics were not depressed but were unable to control aggressive impulses. 4 ref.