The course of post-crisis suicidal symptoms: How and for whom is suicide "cathartic"?

We investigated suicide "catharsis" as evidenced by decreased suicidality f ollowing a suicide attempt. Past research has examined this issue with mixe d results (Bronisch, 1992; Davis, 1990; van Praag & Plutchik, 1985). In the present study, we examined Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation (MSSI) scor es for 198 suicidal men during suicidal crisis, prior to enuy into a treatm ent study, and again at 1-month and 12-month follow-ups. Patients were divi ded into ideators, single attempters, and multiple attempters. We found evi dence for decreased suicidality, but interpreted it as the gradual action o f interpersonal support, rather than as emotional catharsis. Also, multiple attempt status affected the long-term course of post-crisis suicidality.