Alcohol dependence syndrome in suicide attempters: A cross-sectional study in a rural tertiary hospital

Background: Suicidal attempt is a phenomenon with a tremendous impact on the medical and social well-being of the individual, and alcohol abuse/dependence has consistently been implicated in the triggering of suicidal attempt. This complex interaction of alcohol and suicide needs further exploration. Aim: This study aimed to examine the frequency of alcohol dependence in suicidal survivors and assess the association of sociodemographic and clinical variables with the severity of dependence in suicide attempters. Materials and Methods: It is a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study set in a tertiary care institute where a total of 175 admitted cases of suicidal attempt were included. Patients referred to the department of psychiatry of a teaching hospital in Andhra Pradesh within the study period were enrolled after informed consent. With usual detailed workup, alcohol dependence was ascertained. Relevant information was recorded in a pro forma. Alcohol use/dependence was grouped into various categories in relation to suicidal attempt. Results: Alcohol was consumed by 43.43% of suicide attempters. Alcohol dependence constituted of 30.29%. Severe dependence was present in 9.14% of participants. There was a positive correlation between suicidal intent, lethality of attempt, history of smoking, and psychiatric comorbidity with the groups segregated based on the severity of dependence. Conclusion: High suicidal intent and lethality of attempt are risk factors of attempt in moderate-to-severe dependence. Effective treatment of alcohol dependence can mitigate suicidal attempts.