Clinical Profiles of Serious Suicide Attempters Consecutively Admitted to a University-based Hospital: a Cluster Analysis Study

A questionnaire containing items on the patient characteristics & psychometric scales was used to assess the suicidal intent & lethality of 121 patients admitted consecutively to a general hospital. 3 groups were identified: 1) 43 subjects characterized by self-poisoning with medication & low suicidal intent, with highly impulsive suicide attempts; 2) 53 subjects who ingested pesticides & presented both moderate degrees of lethality & suicidal intent; 3) 17 subjects who used more violent methods & presented high levels of lethality & suicidal intent. (LC) (27 refs)