Abstract

Background: Suicidal behavior ranges from ideation to consummation of suicide. In Chile, rates of suicide increased from 4.8 to 12.7/100,000 in the period 1992-2009. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal behavior and its relationship with socio-demographic factors and psychiatric diseases. Material and Methods: The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), was applied to a representative sample of 2,978 Chilean participants. The prevalence of four suicidal behaviors (thinking about or wishing death, suicide ideation and suicide attempts) and of psychiatric diseases according to the revised third version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III-R), was calculated. Results: The lifetime prevalence of suicidal conception was 14.3% and the suicide attempt 7.7%, the latest associated with sex, age, school years, smoking habits, being married or having a relationship, depressive disorders, dysthymia, and alcohol, drug and tobacco dependence. Conclusions: Rates founded exceed international prevalence data and extrapolated to current rates of completed suicide, higher levels of suicidal behavior should be expected. Considering the associated disorders we can infer that it is essential a correct diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders and substance consumption to any other specific interventions.