Parasuicide and mental disorders.

This study aims to provide a better follow-up of parasuicidal subjects, focusing on their diagnostic profile with regard to whether the parasuicide intention was death or not. A total of 235 parasuicidal out-patients (PS) and a comparison group of 235 non-parasuicidal out-patients (CG) were surveyed. A structured interview was applied to both groups. Parasuicide intention was appraised by means of the Suicide Intent Scale of Beck. The PS patients were divided into two groups, depending on whether their intention was death (PSD) or not (OPS), and they were matched with their CG counterparts. The diagnostic profile of each group was analysed and differences in diagnosis distribution were found. The rates of major depression, alcohol dependence and schizophrenia were higher among PSD than in OPS patients. The same was true for comorbidity of major depression and alcohol dependence. On Axis II, borderline personality ranks first among PSD patients. The diagnostic profile of PSD approaches that of completed suicide as shown in retrospective and prospective studies. The methodology employed here could therefore be recommended for estimating parasuicide intention. As well as the diagnosis, a detailed profile could also be obtained in the light of that intention. Bearing in mind such a profile among PSD patients could contribute to a drop in the suicide rate among these subjects.