[Attempted suicide and depressive disorders].

Abstract

211 persons consecutively seen for parasuicidal behavior by the various services of the CIMH (Central Institute of Mental Health) in Mannheim were investigated with regard to the seriousness of intention and the real risk to die. Seriousness and real risk to die were measured by a scale which was divided into two parts - the interviewer rating scale and the self-rating scale. The highest suicide risk was found in depressed patients. This group showed higher scores on the self- and interviewer rating scale than the non-depressed patients. It could be shown that the high risk of suicidal attempts of depressed patients cannot be explained by the older age of this group. However, it can be assumed that psychological factors, influencing the intention to die, are more important.