The Relationship between Suicide Attempts and Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Psychiatrist, Addiction Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Toxicology, Addiction Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 General Practitioner, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 B.Sc. of Midwifery, Women's Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide attempts are conscious and purposeful actions which are intended to harm self. The risk factors for suicide attempt are mental disorders, social, psychological, and biological factors. Due to the relationship between hormonal changes and aggressive behavior, considering variables such as menstrual cycle has great importance. Therefore, because of the contradictory results in this field and its predictable results, this study aimed to evaluate the different phases of the menstrual cycle and suicide attempts.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was held on 714 women who were admitted to the toxicology ward due to suicide attempts at Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran, 2010 -2011. During 12 month study period, data were collected by using a researcher-made questionnaire, clinical interviews with patients, and filling the demographic information form about menstrual cycle. The obtained data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 11 and chi square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The number of patients who had committed suicide during the luteal phase was significantly higher than follicular phase. So there was significant correlation between premenstrual syndrome and committing suicide (p=0.018). Of patients, 91.6% had taken drugs in order to suicide and Benzodiazepines most commonly were used.
Conclusion: Committing suicide was more common in the luteal phase and significantly associated with the occurrence of premenstrual syndrome.

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