The Zurich Study: XV. Suicide Attempts in a Cohort From age 20 to 30

The life time prevalence of suicide attempts in a Swiss population, interviewed 4 times between the ages of 20-30 years, was 3.8% (females 5.4% and males 2.1%). 20% of the 30 year olds reported persistent suicidal ideation. In comparison with controls, attempters reported a more disturbed childhood, and subjects with multiple attempts reported more sexual abuse. Over 10 years attempters persistently showed more negative affectivity, more feelings of helplessness and lower self-esteem. (29 refs.)