Dimensions of suicidal behavior according to patient reports

Francisco J. Diaz, Enrique Baca-Garcia, Carmen Diaz-Sastre, Eloy García Resa, Hilario Blasco, Dolores Braquehais Conesa, Jeronimo Saiz-Ruiz, José De Leon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Five factor analyses with limitations explored the Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS) subscales reflecting suicidal behavior dimensions. This larger sample study conducts an exploratory factor analysis of the SIS. Two large samples of suicide attempters (N = 435 and N = 252) from a general hospital were studied. The validity of SIS subscales obtained from the factor analysis was investigated by examining the association between the subscales and clinical variables. There were two factors: expected lethality and planning. In both samples, male gender and depression tended to be associated with higher scores in both subscales (small to medium effect sizes). Hospitalization was associated with higher scores in both SIS subscales (medium to large effects) suggesting that these subscales were reasonably good predictors of suicide attempt severity. Clinicians assessing patient reports to establish the severity of suicide attempts need to ask questions regarding both dimensions: expected lethality and planning.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-202
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Volume253
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2003

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
■ Acknowledgements The sample was recruited at the Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. The study was supported by 1999 and 2001 National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Young Investigator Awards and a grant from the Spanish Government (Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria, FIS 01/0077–01). The authors thank Margaret T.Susce,R.N.,M.L.T.for editorial assistance.

Funding

■ Acknowledgements The sample was recruited at the Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. The study was supported by 1999 and 2001 National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Young Investigator Awards and a grant from the Spanish Government (Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria, FIS 01/0077–01). The authors thank Margaret T.Susce,R.N.,M.L.T.for editorial assistance.

FundersFunder number
Fondo de Investigacion SanitariaFIS 01/0077–01
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression

    Keywords

    • Factor analysis
    • Scale
    • Suicide
    • Suicide attempts
    • Suicide intent scale

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Psychiatry and Mental health
    • Biological Psychiatry
    • Pharmacology (medical)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Dimensions of suicidal behavior according to patient reports'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this