Study of female suicide attempters. A five years follow up La conducta suicida en mujeres: Un estudio prospective

Abstract

Background: A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicidal behavior. Aim: To explore the evolution of suicidal tendencies in women who attempted suicide 5 to 7 years earlier. Patients and methods: Ninety two women aged 37 ± 9 years old, that attempted suicide between 1989 and 1991 were followed and reassessed in 1997. Results: In the study period two women committed suicide and 30 attempted suicide. Forty three percent of new self barm behaviors occurred during the first year after the first suicide attempt and the harming method was similar. Conclusions: In this study, 34% of women with previous suicide attempts, repeated this behavior, using similar methods.