Variables related to the repetition of a suicide attempt: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Systematic review of studies published in the past 20 years to identify variables associated with repeated suicide attempts. A search for articles published since 2000 on the PubMed and Virtual Health Library portals was conducted, using the words: suicide attempt, suicide, repetition and recurrence. Information regarding date of publication, population, place, means of collection used and associated variables were extracted. The data were later organized into categories of analysis. In total 23 studies were selected and reviewed. There was more correspondence for repetition in people who had already attempted suicide. Mental disorder and substance abuse appeared next. Results pointed to suicide attempt as the variable most associated with new suicide attempts and suicide. Based on the findings, it is suggested that preventive actions can have a greater impact if initiated before the presentation of the first suicide attempt. In populations with a history of suicide attempt or multiple attempts, it is argued that interventions focused on adherence and risk monitoring from hospital discharge to outpatient follow-up can be critical to prevent new attempts and consequently the suicide rate.