Selection of patients who attempted suicide for psychiatric consultation

A total of 1018 self-poisoned patients were treated during one year (1983) at the emergency room of Helsinki University Central Hospital for 1207 suicide attempts; 46% were left without psychiatric consultation. Women were consulted more frequently than men. Patients with previous psychiatric treatment were referred more often for psychiatric consultation. The use of alcohol was more frequently present in suicide attempts that did not lead to psychiatric consultation. Somatic seriousness was also less severe in this group. It was assumed that those left without consultation were not in mortal danger. There were no differences in the suicide mortality of these 2 groups during a 5-year follow-up.