Suicide attempt histories in alcohol-dependent men: differences in psychological profiles.

Fifty-three alcohol-dependent men without additional Axis I disorders were divided into two groups based on past history of suicide attempts (SP = suicide positive, N = 15; SN = suicide negative, N = 38). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the two groups were matched for age, racial makeup, family history of suicide, and total number of years of drinking. A significantly higher percentage of SP group patients had personal and family histories of either illicit drug use, past psychiatric treatment, or both. Psychological profiles demonstrated exaggerated tendencies toward sociopathy, attitudinal deviance, heightened activity, anxiety, depression, hostility, and disordered thinking among the SP patients. These findings highlight the importance of designing individualized relapse prevention programs.