Personality traits in attempted and completed suicide

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 536-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Hirvikoski ◽  
J. Jokinen
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Population Based ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Completed Suicide ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Suicide Completers

AbstractObjectiveThough widely used in clinical and biological studies, no investigation of the factor structure of the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) has been performed in suicide attempters. There are very few studies of personality traits in suicide completers. The aim of the present study was to assess the factor structure of KSP in suicide attempters. A secondary aim was to examine whether the factor structure of the KSP was related to gender and/or to violent method of the suicide attempt or to suicide completion.MethodThe factor structure of the KSP was analysed in data from 165 suicide attempters from the Suicide Prevention Clinic at the Karolinska University Hospital using principal component analysis and orthogonal varimax rotation for the factor extraction. The effect of gender and (1) used method in the suicide attempt (violent versus nonviolent), and (2) later completed suicide on the factors was assessed in two separate series of the two-way ANOVAs.ResultA four-factor solution appeared: (1) Neuroticism, (2) Nonconformity, (3) Psychoticism and (4) Extraversion. Men who later completed suicide reported more Extroversion than male survivors.ConclusionThe obtained factor structure is comparable to a previous factor structure in a group of twins from the population-based Swedish Twin Registry indicating that no specific personality structure characterized the current sample. Differences in personality traits between suicide completers and survivors indicate that these groups may have some distinct characteristics.

scholarly journals Swiss Study to Validate the Mannheimer Craving Scale (MaCS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Fabian Reichenbach ◽  
Yuliya Burren ◽  
Christoph Flückiger ◽  
Hansjörg Znoj ◽  
Franz Moggi
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
German Sample ◽  
Swiss German ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Sample Method

Abstract. Aim: In the research and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), craving for alcohol, nicotine, and drugs is an important concept associated with addictive processes, including relapse after treatment. The 12-item Mannheimer Craving Scale (MaCS) has been proved to be an economic, reliable, and valid self-rating instrument across several substances in German samples. The aim of this study was to examine its psychometric characteristics in a Swiss German sample. Method: Overall, 166 patients were recruited from an inpatient SUD treatment program at the University Hospital of Psychiatry in Bern, Switzerland. Results: The internal consistency was high and the test-retest reliability was satisfactory. The total scale and three specific analogue craving measures were highly correlated. Principal component analysis extracted two factors, explaining 62 % of the total variance, and these factors were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. However, the two factors correlated highly, and several items loaded on both factors, so that the factor structure was inconclusive. Conclusions: The psychometric characteristics of the MaCS in a Swiss German sample are as good as those characteristics of the German version, suggesting that it is a valid and reliable measure. The MaCS factor structure must be examined on a larger sample that integrates a broader range of SUDs and their severities.

scholarly journals Identifying Distinguishable Clinical Profiles Between Single Suicide Attempters and Re-Attempters

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlehn Lübbert ◽  
Lydia Bahlmann ◽  
Sebastian Josfeld ◽  
Jessica Bürger ◽  
Alexandra Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Emotional Abuse ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Heterogeneous Group ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Clinical Profiles

More than 800,000 individuals die from suicide each year in the world, which has a devastating impact on families and society. Ten to twenty times more attempt suicide. Previous studies showed that suicide attempters represent a heterogeneous group regarding demographic characteristics, individual characteristics of a suicidal attempt, and the assumed clinical factors, e.g., hopelessness or impulsivity, thus differently contributing to the likelihood of suicidal behavior. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to give a comprehensive clinical description of patients with repeated suicide attempts compared to single attempters. We explored putative differences between groups in clinical variables and personality traits, sociodemographic information, and specific suicide attempt-related information. A sample of patients with a recent suicide attempt (n = 252), defined according to DSM-5 criteria for a suicidal behavior disorder (SBD), was recruited in four psychiatric hospitals in Thuringia, Germany. We used a structured clinical interview to assess the psychiatric diagnosis, sociodemographic data, and to collect information regarding the characteristics of the suicide attempt. Several clinical questionnaires were used to measure the suicide intent and suicidal ideations, depression severity, hopelessness, impulsivity, aggression, anger expression, and the presence of childhood trauma. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were applied to evaluate the postulated risk factors and, to distinguish groups based on these measures. The performed statistical analyses indicated that suicide attempters represent a relatively heterogeneous group, nevertheless associated with specific clinical profiles. We demonstrated that the re-attempters had more severe psychopathology with significantly higher levels of self-reported depression, suicidal ideation as well as hopelessness. Furthermore, re-attempters had more often first-degree relatives with suicidal behavior and emotional abuse during childhood. They also exhibited a higher degree of specific personality traits, i.e., more “urgency” as a reaction to negative emotions, higher excitability, higher self-aggressiveness, and trait anger. The multivariate discriminant analysis significantly discriminated the re-attempters from single attempters by higher levels of self-aggressiveness and suicidal ideation. The findings might contribute to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms leading to suicidal behavior, which might improve the early identification and specific treatment of subjects at risk for repeated suicidal behavior.

scholarly journals Offspring psychopathology following preconception, prenatal and postnatal maternal bereavement stress

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q. A. Class ◽  
K. M. Abel ◽  
A. S. Khashan ◽  
M. E. Rickert ◽  
C. Dalman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Maternal Stress ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Degree Relative ◽  
Early Stress ◽  
Completed Suicide ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Increased Risk

BackgroundPreconception, prenatal and postnatal maternal stress is associated with increased offspring psychopathology, but findings are inconsistent and need replication. We estimated associations between maternal bereavement stress and offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicide attempt and completed suicide.MethodUsing Swedish registers, we conducted the largest population-based study to date examining associations between stress exposure in 738 144 offspring born 1992–2000 for childhood outcomes and 2 155 221 offspring born 1973–1997 for adult outcomes with follow-up to 2009. Maternal stress was defined as death of a first-degree relative during (a) the 6 months before conception, (b) pregnancy or (c) the first two postnatal years. Cox proportional survival analyses were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) in unadjusted and adjusted analyses.ResultsMarginal increased risk of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia following preconception bereavement stress was not significant. Third-trimester prenatal stress increased the risk of ASD [adjusted HR (aHR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.17] and ADHD (aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04–1.66). First postnatal year stress increased the risk of offspring suicide attempt (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25) and completed suicide (aHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08–2.11). Bereavement stress during the second postnatal year increased the risk of ASD (aHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09–1.55).ConclusionsFurther research is needed regarding associations between preconception stress and psychopathological outcomes. Prenatal bereavement stress increases the risk of offspring ASD and ADHD. Postnatal bereavement stress moderately increases the risk of offspring suicide attempt, completed suicide and ASD. Smaller previous studies may have overestimated associations between early stress and psychopathological outcomes.

Factor Structure of Beck's Suicide Intent Scales

1977 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Wetzel
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Factor Scores ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Suicidal Intent ◽  
Suicide Intent

Data obtained from 48 suicide attempters and 56 suicide threateners on three of Beck's suicide intent scales were factor analyzed. The scale, attempt suicide intent, yielded four orthogonal factors reflecting seriousness of intent, lethality of the act, precautions against interference and failure to initiate rescue after the attempt. The current scale of suicidal intent yielded four factors, bur one, the still suicidal factor, accounted for 44% of the variance. The suicide ideators scale yielded a general factor, called specificity of planning, accounting for more than half the variation. Factor scores were computed and correlated with diagnostic groupings. Character disordered subjects were more likely to report both more serious intent at time of suicide attempt and at interview than other attempters.

scholarly journals Personality and unachieved treatment goals related to poor adherence to asthma medication in a newly-developed adherence questionnaire – a population-based study

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Axelsson ◽  
Linda Ekerljung ◽  
Bo Lundbäck ◽  
Jan Lötvall
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
General Population ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Asthma Medication ◽  
Poor Adherence ◽  
Treatment Goals ◽  
Adherence Behavior

Background: Health-care professionals have a responsibility to be attentive to patients’ adherence behavior but it could be difficult to identify poor adherence in the context of clinical practice. Assessment of personality could be used to identify individuals who are in need for support with their adherence behavior. To our knowledge, existing adherence questionnaires are not based on individuals reflecting asthmatics in the general population and there is limited research describing adherence with asthma medication in relation to personal goals with the treatment. The aim was to develop and validate an adherence questionnaire in adult individuals with asthma from the general population and to assess adherence in relation to personality traits and goals with the asthma medication using the developed questionnaire. Methods: The study was conducted in three phases: 1. A preliminary postal 46-item questionnaire was refined after psychometric testing (n = 157). 2. The questionnaire was validated (n = 104). 3. The developed adherence questionnaire was analyzed in relation to personality traits and achieved goals with the asthma medication. Adult respondents with physician diagnosed asthma using asthma medications were selected from the population-based West Sweden Asthma Study. The respondents completed the Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness to Experience Five-Factor Inventory and the Medication Adherence Report Scale and stated their goals with the asthma medication. Data were analyzed using t-tests, correlations, multiple regression and principal component analysis. Results: A final questionnaire was developed consisting of ten items organized in three subscales - “medication routines”, “self-adjusting the medication” and “concerns about side-effects”. Two of the subscales - “medication routines” and “self-adjusting the medication” – were associated with the Medication Adherence Report Scale. The subscale “medication routines” was associated with the personality traits – Conscientiousness and Neuroticism and unachieved goals with the asthma medication. Conclusions: The developed questionnaire appears to be useful for measuring adherence to asthma medication in adult individuals with asthma. The study suggests that both individual differences and personal treatment goals need to be addressed in efforts to promote adherence to asthma medication treatment.

Suicide Attempt by Self-poisoning: Characteristics of Suicide Attempters Seen at the Emergency Room at the University Hospital of the West Indies

2012 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 526-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Williams-Johnson ◽  
E Williams ◽  
M Gossell-Williams ◽  
CA Sewell ◽  
WD Abel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
West Indies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
The West ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
The University

Epidemiological Trends in Attempted Suicide in Adolescents and Young Adults Between 1996 and 2004

Crisis ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie De Munck ◽  
Gwendolyn Portzky ◽  
Kees Van Heeringen
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Epidemiological Trends

Background: Notwithstanding the epidemiological studies indicating an increased risk of attempted suicide among adolescents and young adults, there is a scarcity of international studies that examine long-term epidemiological trends in rates and characteristics of this vulnerable group. Aims: This article describes the results of a 9-year monitoring study of suicide attempts in adolescents and young adults referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Gent University Hospital (Belgium). Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2004, trends, sociodemographic, and methodrelated characteristics of suicide attempts were assessed by a psychiatrist on data sheets. Results: Attempted suicide rates declined from 1996 to 2001 and then rose until 2004, but did not exceed previous rates. During the 9 years of monitoring, there was a preponderance of female suicide attempters, except for 1997. Rates of attempts and of fatal suicide were negatively correlated. Significantly more males than females deliberately injured themselves. Younger attempters, especially females, significantly more often poisoned themselves with analgesics. In nearly one in five attempts, alcohol was used in combination with other methods, and alcohol intake was more commonly observed in older suicide attempters. Nearly half of the adolescents were identified as repeaters. Conclusions: The results of this study warrant further monitoring of trends and characteristics of young suicide attempters.

Reassessment of Suicide Attempters at Home, Shortly After Discharge from Hospital

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 303-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bas Verwey ◽  
Jeroen A. van Waarde ◽  
Molla A. Bozdağ ◽  
Iris van Rooij ◽  
Edwin de Beurs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Suicide Intent ◽  
Initial Hospital ◽  
Discharge From Hospital ◽  
At Home

Background: Assessment of suicide attempters in a general hospital may be influenced by the condition of the patient and the unfavorable circumstances of the hospital environment. Aims: To determine whether the results of a reassessment at home shortly after discharge from hospital differ from the initial assessment in the hospital. Methods: In this prospective study, systematic assessment of 52 suicide attempters in a general hospital was compared with reassessment at home, shortly after discharge. Results: Reassessments at home concerning suicide intent, motives for suicide attempt, and dimensions of psychopathology did not differ significantly from the initial hospital assessment. However, patients’ motives for the suicide attempt had changed to being less impulsive and more suicidal, worrying was significantly higher, and self-esteem was significantly lower. A third of the patients had forgotten their aftercare arrangements and most patients who initially felt no need for additional help had changed their mind at reassessment. Conclusions: Results from this group of suicide attempters suggest that a brief reassessment at home shortly after discharge from hospital should be considered.

Suicidal Behavior in Four Ethnic Groups in The Hague, 2002–2004

Crisis ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Burger ◽  
Albert M. van Hemert ◽  
Willem J. Schudel ◽  
Barend J.C. Middelkoop
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Emergency Service ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Specific Rate ◽  
Completed Suicide ◽  
The Hague ◽  
Psychiatric Department

Background: Suicidal behavior is a severe public health problem. Aims: To determine the rates of attempted and completed suicide among ethnic groups in The Hague, The Netherlands (2002–2004). Methods: By analyzing data on attempted and completed suicide (from the psychiatric department of general medical hospitals; the psychiatric emergency service and the municipal coroners). Results: Turkish and Surinamese females aged 15–24 years were at highest risk for attempted suicide (age-specific rate 545 / 100,000 and 421 / 100,000 person-years, respectively). Both rates were significantly higher than in the same age group of Dutch females (246 / 100,000 person-years). Turkish (2%) and Surinamese (7%) had lower repeat suicide-attempt rates than did Dutch (16%) females aged 15–24. Significantly lower suicide-attempt rates were found for Surinamese than for Dutch females aged 35–54 years. Differences were not explained by socioeconomic living conditions. The ratio fatal/nonfatal events was 4.5 times higher in males than in females and varied across age, gender, and ethnicity strata. Completed suicide was rare among migrant females. No completed suicides were observed in the Turkish and Surinamese females aged 15–24 years. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a high risk of attempted suicide and a low risk of completed suicide among young Turkish and Surinamese females.

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