Distal Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior in Alcoholics: Replications and new Findings

In order to examine distal risk factors for suicidal behavior in alcoholics, 280 alcoholics were interviewed. 121 had attempted suicide. Significantly more of the attempters were female & had a family history of suicidal behavior. Alcoholics who had attempted were significantly younger & reported more incidents of childhood emotional, physical, & sexual abuse & emotional & physical neglect. Attempters were also significantly more introverted & neurotic, & had received more antidepressant medication than non-alcoholics. (21 refs)