Suicide attempts in acute psychiatric referrals with substance use disorders.

AIMS The aim of the present study was to investigate suicidal risk in psychiatric referrals admitted to a University Hospital Emergency Department (ED) who had a substance use disorder. METHODS The participants were 135 psychiatric referrals (84 men and 51 women) admitted to the ED of the Sant' Andrea Hospital of Rome (Italy) between January 2006 and February 2007. The data were collected for the purpose of this research via electronic medical records of ED patients. RESULTS Attempters with substance use disorders were more likely to have higher burden of major affective disorders, and psychiatric history than substance use disorder referrals without recent suicide attempt; and they were at higher risk of suicide (higher rates of suicidal ideation reported during the psychiatric interview). CONCLUSIONS When evaluating suicide attempters with substance use disorders, health professionals working in the ED settings have to assess not only somatic emergencies that can undermine patient's life but also the chance of repetition of suicidal behavior.