Publication:

Personality traits of patients with attempted suicide: a hospital based study

Background Personality disorders (PDs) are linked as unique contributors to suicide related outcomes and reflect important individual differences in predicting suicide attempts. Aim and objectives of the study were to find the personality traits and factors in patients of suicidal attempt in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Navi Mumbai, India.

Methods A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted for a period of one year in the department of Psychiatry in a tertiary care hospital, Navi Mumbai, India. Hundred successive patients presents with history of attempted suicide that fulfilled inclusion criteria were taken up for the study and administered the international personality disorder examination (IPDE) scale for evaluation of personality traits. Each patient was informed about the purpose of interview; his/her consent was obtained and strict confidentiality was ensured. General description, demographic data and psychiatric history were recorded using the self-designed proforma and the IPDE.

Results Consumption of organo phosphorus compounds (OPC) was the predominant method used for attempting suicide. A large number of patients perceived poor social support and had stressors preceding the attempt. Financial problems and problems with primary support being most commonly elicited stressors. Patients with borderline personality traits were significantly associated to re-attempt suicide between the period of 1 to 2 years. Cluster ‘B’ was the predominant personality profile observed in suicide attempters with the most predominant type being Borderline personality followed by Dissocial and Histrionic personality traits.

Conclusions Borderline personality dominated the personality trait in patients with attempted suicide. Counseling, simultaneous psychotherapy and medication are necessary for management of maladaptive personality.