Characteristics of high intent suicide attempters admitted to a general hospital

Background e intent is a strong predictor of repetition of attempts and subsequent suicide. This study aimed to compare socio-demographics, clinical factors and method of attempt in high and low intent suicide attempters. tients admitted following attempted suicide to a teaching hospital were interviewed. Socio-demographic information, details of the attempt and psychiatric diagnosis were recorded. Scales for assessing suicide intent, lethality, recent life-events and depression were administered. Comparison between high intent and low intent groups were done to identify the characteristics of patients who had high suicidal intent. s mple comprised 203 patients, 84 of whom were classified as high intent attempters using the Suicide Intent Scale. The high intent group were significantly more likely to be male (p = 0.01), of single marital status (p = 0.04), have a psychiatric diagnosis, especially depression (p = 0.001) and use self immolation to attempt suicide (p = 0.001). Patients with high intent had significantly higher lethality (p = 0.001) and recent stressful life-event scores (p = 0.001). sions ntent suicide attempts are associated with distinct socio-demographic profiles and psychiatric morbidity. Routine assessment of intent may help to identify individuals with high risk, who can be offered targeted interventions.