Depression is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in general population. Previous reports established a link between suicidal attempts and major depressive disorder (MDD). There is a large number of risk factors which can participate in suicidal behavior. Many studies showed the role of personality dimensions such as borderline personality dimensions risk factors of suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to assess dimensions of personality in inpatients who were hospitalized after suicidal attempt.

The sample consisted of sixty inpatients with MDD diagnosed with ICD X. There were thirty patients with suicidal attempt and thirty with no history of suicidal attempts. The assessment of personality dimensions was carried out by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI III).

Our findings have shown that borderline and masochistic dimensions were more frequently present in the group of patients with suicidal attempts. Compulsive dimensions were more present in the group of patients with no history of suicidal attempt.

Borderline personality dimensions with underlying impulsivity and low level of self-confidence might be potential risk factor for suicidal behavior, while the patients with a rigid system of organization and conscientiousness are less prone to suicidal behavior. Assessing personality dimensions is recommended in the process of psychodiagnostics and might be useful in preventive interventions.