Clinical evolution after self-induced or accidental traumatism: a controlled study of the extent and the specificity of suicidal catharsis

Abstract 

Background

The cathartic effect has been related to the short-term decrease of depressive symptomatology following the suicide attempt. This study aimed to clarify the extent of this clinical improvement to non self-induced traumas and other suicidal dimensions.

Methods

Twenty-six recent suicide attempters were compared with 21 control subjects admitted to the surgical ward after an accident-induced trauma. They completed several assessments the day after the admission and one week after discharge: Hamilton and Carroll Depression scales, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Hopelessness scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, MMPI (abbreviated version), Global Assessment Scale.

Results

Depression, anxiety-state, two sub-scales of the MMPI (Hysteria, Depression) and general functioning improved significantly in the suicide attempters group. Measures of impulsivity and hopelessness remained stable during the follow-up.

Limitations

These results cannot not be generalized to all suicide attempters and we did not take account of the lethality and severity of the suicidal method used.

Conclusion

Our study supports the specific role of deliberate self-aggression in the cathartic effect and the trait value of both impulsivity and hopelessness.

Keywords: Suicide attempt, Cathartic effect, Depression, Impulsiveness, Hopelessness