Psychiatric Aspects of Suicidal Behaviour: Personality Disorders

This chapter examines the relationship of personality disorders to suicidal behaviour. The available data were reviewed on the prevalence of personality disorders within individuals who commit suicide; the incidence of suicide within various personality disorders; the relationship between attempted suicide and personality disorders; and risk factors for suicidal behaviours within specific personality disorders. The multiple methodological problems which exist in most current studies on both suicide and personality disorders are discussed. Findings indicate that personality disorders represent a major risk factor for suicidal behaviour, at a level of severity comparable to major depression and schizophrenia. While information is limited, individuals with borderline and antisocial personality disorders seem to represent a group at particularly high risk for suicide. Recommendations for future research are discussed.