Attempted Suicide and Alcoholism: Epidemiological and Psycodynamic Aspects (IN: Suicidal Behaviour in Europe: Recent Research Findings, edited by P Crepet et al)

In this study, 259 suicide-attempt patients who were treated at emergency somatic and psychiatric departments following their attempted suicide were investigated by structured interviews. Alcohol abuse was screened by means of CAGE questions. (CAGE stands for questions focused on Cutting down, Annoyance by criticism, Guilty feelings, and Eye-opener.) Ninety-two of the 259 suicide attempt patients were diagnosed as alcohol abusers owing to two or more affirmative answers to CAGE questions. (30 refs)