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In-patient suicide--a 13-year assessment
V Ajdacic-Gross1, C Lauber, M Baumgartner
1Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. vajdacic@dgsp.uzh.ch
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Psychiatric in-patients have a significantly higher suicide risk than the general population. Improved risk assessment before leave periods and treatment of affective disorders may reduce in-patient suicides.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide remains a critical concern within psychiatric in-patient populations.
- Understanding specific risk factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine suicide rates among psychiatric in-patients in Zurich from 1992-2004.
- To identify potential risk factors contributing to suicide in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the psychiatric case register of Zurich.
- Employed person-years calculations and standardized mortality ratios for analysis.
- Reviewed case records for additional information.
Main Results:
- The standardized mortality ratio for suicide was 48.9 over the 13-year study period.
- Patients with personality and affective disorders exhibited a particularly elevated suicide risk.
- A majority of suicides occurred during regular leave periods, even when patients were assessed as low risk.
Conclusions:
- In-patient suicide risk is substantially higher compared to the general population.
- Enhanced suicide risk assessment prior to leave periods is recommended.
- More rigorous treatment of borderline, affective, and psychotic symptoms may lower suicide rates.
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