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Psychiatric hospitalization after deliberate self-poisoning
Gregory L Carter1, Ivan Safranko, Terry J Lewin
1Suicide Prevention Research Unit, Centre for Mental Health Studies at the University of Newcastle and Hunter and New England Area Health Service, Australia. carter@mail.newcastle.edu.au
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|May 18, 2006
Summary
Deciding on psychiatric hospitalization for deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) patients involves complex factors. Key risk factors include prior self-harm, mental health disorders, and socioeconomic issues, influencing hospitalization decisions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The criteria for psychiatric hospitalization following deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) are not well-defined.
- Understanding factors influencing hospitalization decisions is crucial for patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of psychiatric hospitalization among patients presenting after DSP.
- To analyze factors associated with involuntary psychiatric admission in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study involving 3,148 consecutive patients admitted for DSP.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine risk factors for psychiatric hospitalization.
Main Results:
- 29.2% of DSP patients were referred for psychiatric hospitalization, with 18.3% on an involuntary basis.
- Increased risk for hospitalization was associated with older age, homelessness, unemployment, prior self-harm, recent or past psychiatric inpatient treatment, suicidal ideation, mood/psychotic disorders, and less clinician experience.
- Lower risk was observed for married/defacto individuals and those presenting after hours.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric hospitalization recommendations for DSP patients are based on multifaceted clinical judgments.
- Findings inform clinical practice guidelines, service costs, and organizational strategies for managing DSP patients.
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