Comparison of suicidal people who use the internet for suicide- related reasons and those who do not: Survey study in Austria

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that suicidal individuals who use the Internet for suicide-related purposes are more suicidal than nonsuicide-related users, but evidence from European countries is lacking. Aims: We assessed differences between suicidal individuals who go online for suicide-related purposes and other suicidal individuals in Austria. Method: Participants were 53 individuals aged between 18 and 24 years who felt suicidal in the past year and completed an anonymous online survey. Results: Individuals who went online for suicide-related purposes were more suicidal, and more depressed, compared with individuals who did not use the Internet for suicide-related purposes. There were n..