Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
In-patient suicide--a 13-year assessment
V Ajdacic-Gross1, C Lauber, M Baumgartner
1Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. vajdacic@dgsp.uzh.ch
Objective:
To describe the suicide rates of psychiatric in-patients in the canton of Zurich for the period 1992-2004, and to determine putative risk factors.
Method:
The data were derived from the psychiatric case register of the canton Zurich. The analyses were based on person-years calculations and standardised mortality ratios. Additional information was assessed via case records.
Results:
During the 13-year period the standardised mortality ratio was 48.9. The risk of suicide was particularly high in patients with personality and affective disorders. Most suicides occurred during regular leave periods, despite the fact that clinical assessment had indicated there was no suicide risk for the patient.
Conclusion:
The suicide risk of in-patients is distinctly higher than in the general population. A better assessment of suicide risk before regular leave periods could lead to a decrease of suicides in in-patient settings, as well as a more rigorous treatment of borderline cases, and of affective and psychotic symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
Methods of Documentation III: PIE
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Long-term Depression
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification