What the study found
The study found that, in this hospital-based psychiatric consultation sample, patients seen after a suicide attempt were more often younger and female, and they more often had a history of previous suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm without suicidal intent). The authors also reported that depressive and personality disorders, as well as recent life stressors, were more common in this group.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that psychiatric consultation in a general hospital is a crucial opportunity to assess suicide risk factors and start early intervention. They suggest that younger people with a history of suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury should be prioritized for targeted preventive strategies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed psychiatric consultation data from the University Hospital of Perugia. They used the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to assess suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury, then compared patients referred after a suicide attempt with those referred for other psychiatric reasons.
What worked and what didn't
Among 373 patients, 129 were evaluated after a real, interrupted, or aborted suicide attempt. In the statistical model, previous non-suicidal self-injury, previous suicide attempt, depressive disorder, personality disorder, and recent life stressors were positively associated with suicide attempt, while age was negatively associated with suicide attempt.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe follow-up, so the findings are based on a single consultation setting rather than outcomes over time. The available summary does not describe additional limitations beyond the study's hospital-based sample.
Key points
- The sample included 373 psychiatric consultation patients, and 34.6% were evaluated after a suicide attempt.
- Patients after a suicide attempt were more often younger and female.
- Previous non-suicidal self-injury and previous suicide attempt were strongly associated with suicide attempt in the model.
- Depressive disorder, personality disorder, and recent life stressors were also associated with suicide attempt.
- The authors say general-hospital psychiatric consultation is a key point for risk assessment and early intervention.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Previous self-harm and younger age were linked to suicide attempts
- Authors:
- Gianmarco Cinesi, Agnese Sciolto, Chiara Miriam Carioti, Francesca Maio, Elena Sofia Gaias, Francesca Scopetta, Filippo De Giorgi, Alfonso Tortorella, Giulia Menculini
- Institutions:
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia, University of Perugia
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-26
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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