Prospective Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Borderline Personality Disorder at one, two, and two-to-Five Year Follow-Up

Using survival analyses, the authors assessed the predictive association between risk factors in certain symptom domains & suicide attempts in individuals with borderline personality disorder followed for 12 months, 18-24 months, & 2-5 years. The suicide attempt rate was 19% in the first year; 24.8% through the second year. Predictors of suicidal behaviour changed over time. Major depressive disorder has a short-term effect on suicide risk, while poor social adjustment may increase risk through each follow-up interval. Assessing & supporting family, work, & social relationships may decrease suicidal behaviour in borderline personality disorder & should be a principal focus of long-term treatment. (45 refs.) JA