Test-retest and case-control study of psychological symptoms and social adjustment following parasuicide.

Numerous studies have been conducted in which cases of parasuicide have been followed for repeat parasuicide. By comparison, there have been relatively few studies of other morbidity endpoints. Over a 1-year period, 507 cases of parasuicide and 200 controls were recruited from emergency departments in Edmonton, Canada and interviewed using the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State Anger Scale, Trait Anger Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, and Social Adjustment Scale. Over the ensuing 1 to 2 years, 414 cases were reinterviewed using the same questionnaires. Mean symptom scores on all questionnaires improved over the course of follow-up, but did not reach control levels. The pattern of improvement varied according to questionnaire. Only half of cases received treatment for the parasuicide from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other health care provider during the 3 months following the emergency department visit.