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-parasuicide relationship by examining some of the socio-demographic and mental health characteristics of alcohol dependent suicide attempters.

The relationship between alcohol dependence and parasuicide was studied among patients admitted to a Gomel regional psychiatric hospital (Belarus). A total 117 male alcohol dependent in-patients (ADPS) and a comparison group of 128 non-alcohol dependent parasuicidal in-patients (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 older (32.1 vs. 29.3; p< 0,001), unemployed (46.2% vs. 31.3%; p< 0,001), or with a past history of deliberate self-harm (21.4% vs. 14.1%; p< 0,01). Comorbid psychiatric disorders were presented in 58.1% of ADPS and in 69.2% of NADPS patients. The prevalence of personality disorders (23.4% vs. 17.1%) and schizophrenia (10.9% vs. 6.8%) were higher among NADPS compared with ADPS patients. Consumption of alcohol at the time of the parasuicidal act was reported more commonly by ADPS than by NADPS (70.1% vs. 45.31%; p< 0,001).

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