Near-term predictors of the intensity of suicidal ideation: An examination of the 24h prior to a recent suicide attempt.

The extent to which acute exposures such as alcohol use (AU) and negative life events (NLE) are uniquely associated with intensity of suicidal ideation during the hours leading up to a suicide attempt is unknown. The main aim of the current study was to quantify the unique effect of acute exposures on next-hour suicidal ideation when adjusting for previous hour acute exposures and suicidal ideation. Understanding that, within a patient, AU and NLE predict near-term increases in suicidal ideation has practical utility impacting providers׳ clinical decision-making, safety concerns, and ultimate determination of level of risk for suicide.