Characteristics of Suicide Attempts of Patients With Major Depressive Episode and Borderline Personality Disorder: a Comparative Study

81 inpatients with borderline personality disorder were compared to 77 inpatients with major depressive episode alone on measures of depressed mood, hopelessness, impulsive aggression, & suicidal behaviour. No significant differences were found in the characteristics of suicide attempts between patients with borderline personality disorder & those with major depressive episode. However, patients with both disorders had the greatest number of suicide attempts & the highest level of objective planning. Hopelessness & impulsive aggression independently increase the risk of suicidal behaviour in patients with borderline personality disorder & in patients with major depressive episode. (41 refs.)