The Wessex Recent In-Patient Suicide Study, 1. Case-control study of 234 recently discharged psychiatric patient...

Psychiatric patients have a higher suicide risk following hospital discharge.

To identify social, clinical and health-care delivery factors in recently discharged patients.

Retrospective case-control study of 234 patients who died within 1 year of hospital discharge, matched for age, gender, diagnosis and admission period with 431 controls. Odds ratios for identified risk factors were calculated using conditional multiple logistic regression.

Independent increased-risk factors were: not being White; living alone; history of deliberate self-harm (DSH); suicidal ideation precipitating admission; hopelessness; admission under different consultant; onset of relationship difficulties; loss of job; in-patient DSH; unplanned discharge; significant care professional leaving/on leave. Reduced-risk factors were: shared accommodation; delusions at admission; misuse of non-prescribed substances; and continuity of contact.

Continuity of contact may reduce suicide risk. Discontinuity of care from a significant professional is associated with increased risk of suicide.