J Korean Med Sci.  2018 Oct;33(41):e259. 10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e259.

Characteristics of High-Intent Suicide Attempters Admitted to Emergency Departments

• Woo S
• Lee SW
• Lee K
• Seo WS
• Lee J
• Kim HC
• Won S

• KMID: 2421400
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e259

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The suicide rate in Korea has been the highest among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries since 2003. However, there is a lack of in-depth data regarding the characteristics of suicide attempters. Understanding the intent of suicide attempters will help improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. Therefore, to provide a resource for developing the necessary interventions, this study aimed to examine the differences in suicide-related and clinical variables according to the strength of suicidal intent.
METHODS
The subjects were 328 suicide attempters admitted to emergency departments at 5 university hospitals in Daegu-Gyeongbuk province between 2011 and 2014. We used various scales to examine suicide-related and clinical variables and a structured questionnaire to explore psychosocial characteristics. We evaluated suicidal intent using the Pierce Suicide Intent Scale and a clinician-rated scale that measured suicidal authenticity.
RESULTS
Individuals with high suicidal intent were significantly older, had higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores, higher rates of premeditation, and sustained suicidal ideation. Furthermore, suicide methods, timing, and psychiatric treatment histories differed by the strength of subjects' suicidal intent. Moreover, multiple logistic regression showed that depressed mood as a reason for attempting suicide, premeditation, and higher HDRS scores were significantly associated with higher suicidal intent.
CONCLUSION
Depression, premeditation, older age, and sustained suicidal ideation were characteristics of individuals with high suicidal intent, and it is necessary to evaluate and monitor these factors to prevent repeated suicide attempts.

Keyword

Attempted Suicide; Intention; Emergency Department

MeSH Terms

Depression
Emergencies*
Emergency Service, Hospital*
Hospitals, University
Intention
Korea
Logistic Models
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide*
Suicide, Attempted
Weights and Measures