Characteristics of First Suicide Attempts in Single Versus Multiple Suicide Attempters With Bipolar Disorder

This study compared 52 bipolar subjects with a history of one suicide attempt to those with multiple attempts & assessed demographic characteristics, family histories, psychopathology, & clinical dimensions of suicidal behavior. Multiple attempts occurred in two thirds of the study group. Single attempters were significantly more likely than multiple attempters to show high seriousness of intent at their first attempt, & to exhibit less mixed states. No other differences between single & multiple attempters were found. (22 refs)