Hopelessness and low-intent in parasuicide

Parasuicide is usually associated with low suicidal intent and research data show that rising rates remain a challenging clinical and research problem. Hopelessness, a core characteristic of depression, appears to be the link between depression and suicidal behavior in high-risk patients. Previous research in this regard focused largely on hopelessness as a correlate of suicide, attempted suicide, serious suicidal intent, and as a predictor of eventual suicide among serious suicidal ideators in the absence of a recent suicide attempt. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between hopelessness and low suicidal intent in a cohort of 337 hospitalized adult parasuicide patients referred to a general hospital psychiatric unit. Within 24–48 hours after admission, all patients, once alert, underwent an individual detailed clinical interview and one of three assessments, viz., they were rated on the Beck Hopelessness Scale, The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale or, DSM III criteria for depression. Results support the positive relationship between hopelessness and suicidal behavior in low-intent patients, previously demonstrated in high-intent patients. The need to also address hopelessness in low-intent patients as part of an effective therapeutic intervention strategy is discussed.