[Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of women who attempted suicide].

Abstract

Sociodemographic and clinical features of 124 female suicide attempters, referred to the psychiatric unit of a general hospital have been assessed by means of semistructured interviews, and Pierce's Suicide Intent Scale. Mean age was 30.8 +/- 9.8 years. Subjects' socioeconomic and educational status were low. Attempts were impulsive in 70%, the most frequent method subjects resorted to was overdose (68%). Most common causes for the attempt were difficulties with either marital life or relatives. The attempt was assessed as severe in 45% of cases. Previous attempts were found in 56%. At assessment, 50% of subjects were with Major Depression (DMS-III-R). Subjects with recurrent depressive disorders evidenced a significantly higher rate of severe attempts, and previous suicidal episodes. Findings reported herein are relevant to a secondary prevention of suicidal behavior.