Goodman expanded the conceptualization of addictions to embrace not only drug addiction but other behavioral addictions. In some cases, suicidal behaviour can be viewed as a behavioral addiction.

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the relationships between major suicide repeaters (> or =5 lifetime suicide attempts) and measures of suicidal behaviour addiction.

To characterize major suicide repeaters.

Sample and procedure: This is a transversal study of 954 suicide attempters (Montpellier, France). All suicide attempters were assessed using a protocol including: MINI (Axis I disorders), TPQ (personality traits) and BIS-10 (impulsivity), among others. Statistical Analyses: Comparisons between groups was made using logistic regression models with crude odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Major repeaters were more likely to be female and having low educational level than non-major repeaters (OR[95%]=6.95[3.19–15.10]; p < 0.0001; and OR[95%]=2.17[1.38–3.33]; p < 0.001, respectively). As compared with non-major repeaters, major repeaters more often met criteria for bipolar disorder (OR[95%]=1.82[1.22–2.74]; p < 0.05), anxiety disorders (OR[95%]=1.77[1.03–3.07]; p < 0.05) and eating disorders (OR[95%]=2.81[1.79–4.41]; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, compared with non-major repeaters, major repeaters were more frequently diagnosed with cigarette smoking (63.5% vs. 53.5%), alcohol use (29.3% vs. 25.4%) and substance use (15.4% vs. 13.2%), but none of them reached statistical significance. Finally, major repeaters, as compared with non-major repeaters, were more likely to score high in harm avoidance (OR[95%]=2.52[1.52–4.18];p < 0.001), BIS-10 global score (OR[95%]=2.09[1.25–3.47]; p < 0.05) and BIS-10 non-planning impulsiveness (OR[95%]=3.31[1.37–7.99]; p < 0.05).

Our preliminary results give partial support to the addictive hypothesis of suicidal behaviour.