Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access originally published online on August 4, 2006
Alcohol and Alcoholism 2006 41(5):473-478; doi:10.1093/alcalc/agl060
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REVIEW
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ALCOHOL MISUSE AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR
Specialist Registrar in General Adult Psychiatry, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim BT41 2RJ, Northern Ireland
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: Tel.: +44 28 94465211; E-mail: johnbrady33{at}gmail.com
(Received 4 April 2006; in revised form 26 June 2006; accepted 8 July 2006)
Aims: Despite recent small reductions in overall suicide rates, rates among those aged 25–44 have remained high. The aim of this paper was to examine the evidence for a link between alcohol misuse/consumption and suicidal behaviour, explore the reasons for this association, and consider the implications for reducing rates of suicidal behaviour. Methods: A medline search was performed to find relevant research evidence. Results: There is evidence to suggest alcohol misuse predisposes to suicidal behaviour through its depressogenic effects and promotion of adverse life events, and both behaviours may share a common genetic predisposition. Acute alcohol use can also precipitate suicidal behaviours through induction of negative affect and impairment of problem-solving skills, as well as aggravation of impulsive personality traits, possibly through effects on serotonergic neurotransmission. Conclusions: Effective interventions for problem drinking may help reduce suicide rates. At a public health level, reducing overall alcohol consumption may be beneficial, and the measures shown to be most effective in this regard are those that aim to restrict availability of alcohol.
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