Characteristics of Adjustment Disorder Patients as Suicidal Attempters Visited Emergency Department: Significance of Adjustment Disorder and Suicide

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to examine the characteristics of suicidal attempters who visited the emergency department (ED) with a psychiatric diagnosis of adjustment disorder. METHODS: Suicidal attempters who had visited the ED were retrospectively selected between January 2015 and December 2015. Sex, age, marital status, psychiatric diagnosis, causes of suicidal attempt, methods of suicidal attempt, influence of alcohol, and results of ED management were reviewed in the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 468 suicide attempters who had visited the ED were interviewed by psychiatrists, and 323 cases were included. Adjustment disorder is the most common diagnosis among these patients (N=202, 62.5%). There was no statistical difference between the adjustment disorder group and the non-adjustment disorder group with respect to marital status, psychiatric diagnosis, causes of suicidal attempt, methods of suicidal attempt, and results of ED management. The number of patients under the influence of alcohol who visited the ED was higher in the adjustment disorder group (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Adjustment disorder is the most common diagnosis among suicidal attempters who visit the ED. Suicidal attempt in the adjustment disorder group is likely an impulsive decision, but their admission results are just as poor as the non-adjust disorder group.