EXPLAINING SUICIDE - THE VIEWS OF SURVIVORS OF SERIOUS SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Background. There is a dearth of information on the motivational aspec ts of serious suicide attempts, in particular those which involve viol ent methods. Clarification of the reasons which lie behind such acts m ay suggest appropriate preventive strategies. Method. Interviews were carried out with 20 individuals who had attempted suicide jumping in f ront of a railway train. Demographic and psychiatric data were collect ed for each case and the Suicidal Intent Scale was administered. Resul ts. In mast cases the act had been impulsive and was characterised by an extremely high level of suicidal intent. The majority were receivin g psychiatric treatment at the time of their suicide attempt. In some cases, survival and the aftermath of the attempt appeared to have a be neficial effect on mental state. Conclusions. While high levels of psy chiatric morbidity and high suicidal intent were common, impulsivity a nd improved mental state indicate that there are similarities between high and low suicide intent survivors.