The Role of Alcohol in Suicide: a Case-Control Psychological Autopsy Study

This study estimated the proportion of alcohol abuse & dependence among suicides & controls & compared the incidence of abuse/dependence documented by clinicians. A total of 427 Estonians who died by suicide in a 1-year period were matched with controls. Alcohol abuse was found in 10% & alcohol dependence in 51% of suicide cases. Alcohol abuse/dependence was a statistically significant predictor of completed suicide. Middle-aged males (35-59 years) who died by suicide had the highest risk of alcohol dependence. (39 refs.)