It is well recognized that alcohol dependence is among the major risk factors that are associated with suicidal behavior.

This study was design to extend our understanding of alcohol-parasuicidal relationship by examining same of the socio-demographic and mental health characteristics of alcohol dependent women attempted to commit suicide.

The relationship between alcohol dependence and parasuicide was studied among patients admitted to a Gomel regional psychiatric hospital (Belarus). A total 48 female alcohol dependent in-patients (ADPS) and a comparison group of 151 non-alcohol dependent parasuicidal inpatients (NADPS) were investigated. The socio-demographic and mental health profile of each group was analyzed.

Risk factors for parasuicide were acute alcohol intoxication, social dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms. Results show that, compared with NADPS patients, those with an alcohol dependence were younger (34.1 vs. 36.6%; p<0.05), unemployed (54.2 vs. 29.1%; p<0.001), unmarried (72.9 vs. 59.9%; p<0.001), or with a past history of deliberate self-harm (29.2 vs. 20.5%; p<0.05). Consumption of alcohol at the time of the parasuicidal act was reported more commonly by ADPS patients (75.0 vs. 21.2%; p<0.001). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were presented in 64.4% of ADPS and in 93.2% of NADPS patients. The prevalence of affective disorders (10.6 vs. 2.1%; p<0.001), stress-related disorders (22.5 vs. 8.3%; p<0.001) and schizophrenia (9.6 vs. 2.1%; p<0.001) were higher among NADPS compared with ADPS patients.

These findings are consistent with previous researches indicating a causal role for acute alcohol intoxication in parasuicidal behavior among alcohol dependent individuals.