Characteristics of Suicide Attempters With Family History of Suicide Attempt: a Retrospective Chart Review

The characteristics of Japanese suicide attempters with & without a family history of suicide attempt were explored. Suicide attempters admitted to an urban emergency department from 2003-2008 were interviewed by 2 attending psychiatrists. Out of 469 suicide attempters, 70 had a family history of suicide attempt. A significantly higher rate of suicide motive connected with family relations as well as a significantly higher rate of deliberate self-harm were observed in patients with a family history of suicide attempt compared to patients without such history. No significant differences were observed in other variables investigated. (31 refs.)