Ecological Momentary Assessment of Alcohol, Depression, and Suicidal Behavior in Suicidal Individuals: A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to monitor the risk of re -attempting suicide through ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of depression and alcohol use in individuals who were at risk of suicide. Individuals at risk of suicide were recruited from a community suicide prevention center. The Patient Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9) scores, the Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Alcohol Consumption Questions (AUDIT -C), and information about suicidal behaviors were collected using mobile platforms, every week for 4 weeks. Forty-four subjects were included. AUDIT -C and PHQ9 scores were higher in individuals with self -harm than in those without selfharm. A linear mixed model analysis revealed that the PHQ-9 score showed a significant effect on self -harm (P = 0.043), while the AUDIT -C score did not show any significant effect. Close observation of depression and alcohol use through EMA is important in monitoring suicide risk due to their significant role in suicidal behavior. [Psychiatr Ann. 2024;54(3):e94 -e99.]