LONG-TERM OUTPATIENT TREATMENT IN ALCOHOLICS WITH PREVIOUS SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR

The importance of previous suicidal behavior for the treatment of alco holics was analyzed in a long-term outpatient treatment study. In a se ries of 72 patients, 21 patients, (29%), 17 men and 4 women, had previ ously made at least one suicide attempt or had seriously threatened to kill themselves (3 cases). In comparison with the other alcoholics, t hose with previous suicidal behavior had a similar attrition rate, the y were not more troublesome in treatment, and they had the same rate o f favorable outcome during the third year after start of treatment. Th ey differed from the other alcoholics in having a more severe abuse an d a less favorable outcome during the initial part of the treatment. I n conclusion, our results support the possibility of a long-term outpa tient treatment strategy in alcoholics with previous suicide attempts.