How do repeat suicide attempters differ from first timers? An exploratory record based analysis

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates that repeat suicide attempters, as a group, may differ from 1(st) time attempters. The identification of repeat attempters is a powerful but underutilized clinical variable. AIMS: In this research, we aimed to compare individuals with lifetime histories of multiple attempts with 1(st) time attempters to identify factors predictive of repeat attempts. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective record based study carried out at a teaching cum Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. METHODS: Relevant data was extracted from the clinical records of 1(st) time attempters (n = 362) and repeat attempters (n = 61) presenting to a single Tertiary Care Center over a 4½ year period. They were compared on various sociodemographic and clinical parameters. The clinical measures included Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory – Short Form, and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: First time attempters and repeaters were compared using appropriate inferential statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of repeat attempts. RESULTS: The two groups did not significantly differ on sociodemographic characteristics. Repeat attempters were more likely to have given prior hints about their act (χ(2) = 4.500, P = 0.034). In the final regression model, beck hopelessness score emerged as a significant predictor of repeat suicide attempts (odds ratio = 1.064, P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Among suicide attempters presenting to the hospital, the presence of hopelessness is a predictor of repeat suicide attempts, independent of clinical depression. This highlights the importance of considering hopelessness in the assessment of suicidality with a view to minimize the risk of future attempts.