Comparison of Depressed Patients With and Without Suicide Attempts in Their Past History

48 inpatients with the diagnosis of a Brief or Prolonged Depressive Reaction, who had attempted suicide just before admission, were compared to 24 of the same, with no history of attempts. Alcoholism & suicide attempts in 1st degree relatives & divorce or separation of the parents predispose for a depressive reaction associated with suicidal behavior. No differences were found for personality factors, number & quality of life events in the yr before admission & social support in the last 4 wks.