Correlates and Antecedents of Hospital Admission for Attempted Suicide: a Nationwide Survey in Italy

This study examined data on symptom patterns in the week prior to admission for suicide attempt in a nationwide representative sample of Italian patients. 230 patients (14.8%) in the sample had been admitted to a private or public psychiatric facility for a suicide attempt. No diagnosis was statistically related to admission after suicide attempt, once symptom patterns at admission had been accounted for. Disordered eating behaviour, depressive symptoms, substance abuse, & non-prescribed medication abuse were positively related to attempted suicide as were any traumatic events in the week prior to admission. Symptoms of psychosis & lack of self-care were negatively associated with suicide attempt admission. (55 refs.)