Year: 2006 Source: European Addiction Research, v.12, no.2, (2006), p.102-108 SIEC No: 20090836

The frequency of suicide attempts & clinical characteristics of attempters among poly-substance abusers & alcoholics were examined. A consecutive sample of 260 in- & out-patients from 2 Norwegian counties were assessed. When analysing the association between suicide attempters & the range of predictor variables, logistic regression analysis was conducted. Almost half of the sample reported lifetime suicide attempts; significantly more frequently in poly-substance abusers than alcoholics. A substance use disorder with a duration of 15 years or more & an early onset (less than 18 years of age) were independently associated with being a suicide attempter after controlling for Axis I disorders. Eating disorders, agoraphobia, & major depression were also stongly & independently associated with being a suicide attempter. (38 refs.)