Risk Factors for the Development of Suicidal Behavior in Patients with Withdrawal Syndrome in Alcohol Dependence

Abstract

The article presents the results of the study, the purpose of which was to determine the risk factors for the development of suicidal behavior in patients with withdrawal syndrome in alcohol dependence. All patients underwent a psychodiagnostic study using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS, HAM-D, 1959), designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. The study showed that obligatory symptoms of depression in patients with withdrawal syndrome in alcohol dependence included marked manifestations of insomnia with impairment of the entire sleep cycle, symptoms of dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract with loss of appetite and obsessive-compulsive disorders, which indicated disorganization of mental and somatic activity with an impairment of vital functions. Risk factors for suicidal intent in patients with withdrawal syndrome in alcohol dependence include such depressive symptoms as depersonalization and derealization, severity of the feeling of guilt, insomnia with early morning awakenings and mental anxiety accompanied by tension, irritability and anxiety. The symptom of the loss of libido plays the role of an anti-risk factor. It has been established that the "targets" for the prevention of suicidal behavior in patients with withdrawal syndrome with alcohol dependence are: relief of anxiety, feelings of guilt, feelings of depersonalization and derealization; normalization of sleep.