[Attempted suicide in females: a prospective study].

BACKGROUND

A previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future suicidal behavior.

AIM

To explore the evolution of suicidal tendencies in women who attempted suicide 5 to 7 years earlier.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety two women aged 37 +/- 9 years old, that attempted suicide between 1989 and 1991 were followed and reassessed in 1997.

RESULTS

In the study period two women committed suicide and 30 attempted suicide. Forty three percent of new self harm behaviors occurred during the first year after the first suicide attempt and the harming method was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, 34% of women with previous suicide attempts, repeated this behavior, using similar methods.