Alcoholism - Risk Factor for Suicide

Older Alcoholics At Even Greater Risk, Study Shows

New research findings linking alcoholism as an established risk factor for suicide demonstrate the need for suicide risk recognition and prevention efforts targeted to middle- and older-adults with alcohol dependence. Data also indicate that increased age may serve as a marker for more chronic, treatment refractory alcoholism associated with greater risk for suicide.

Research results from the work of Kenneth R. Conner, Psy.D., MPH (2003 recipient of the prestigious AAS Edwin S. Shneidman Award), Annette L. Beautrais, Ph.D.; and Yeates Conwell, M.D. (1994 Shneidman Award recipient) was gathered from post-suicide psychological autopsies.

"This is the first case-control postmortem study of risk factors for suicide in alcoholics using comparable research measures and methods," notes Dr. Conner of the risk factors-related study cited above. "The most important findings were that interpersonal factors including marital and other partner difficulties were associated with suicide risk in this population. This extends prior uncontrolled findings."

Additionally, Dr. Conner adds that the second moderators-related study examined factors that amplify risk associated with alcoholism. Results showed that older alcoholics are at greatest risk, a finding not previously reported in a statistically comparable study.

These two research studies were undertaken in part because while alcoholism is an established risk factor for suicide, data on conditions that distinguish alcoholics at particularly high risk for suicide are meager. Other research findings to be presented by Dr. Conner and colleagues include:

• Medically serious suicide attempters with alcoholism are more likely to have a mood disorder and financial difficulties than control subjects - i.e. community dwellers with alcoholism but without suicide attempts.
• Alcoholics who complete suicide are older, and more likely to be male, have a mood disorder, partner-relationship difficulties, and other interpersonal life events than control subjects.
• Suicide prevention efforts in alcoholics must include a focus on depression as well as interpersonal factors including partner-relationship difficulties.

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS), based in Washington, DC, is the oldest and largest scientific and professional organization in the world representing the field of suicide prevention and suicidology (the study of suicide). Founded in 1968, AAS works to advance an understanding of suicide, its causes and its prevention, through researching and implementing strategies for reducing risk of suicide among all populations.

Source: American Association of Suicidology News Release