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Suicide in recently admitted psychiatric in-patients: a case-control study
Isabelle M Hunt1, Harriet Bickley, Kirsten Windfuhr
1National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Isabelle.m.hunt@manchester.ac.uk
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 9, 2012
Summary
Suicide risk is highest in the first week of psychiatric admission. Key risk factors include prior self-harm, recent life events, and short illness duration, necessitating careful early assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A significant proportion of psychiatric in-patient suicides occur shortly after admission.
- Understanding risk factors during this critical early period is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for suicide among psychiatric in-patients within the first week of hospital admission.
Main Methods:
- A national population-based case-control study was conducted in England.
- 107 psychiatric in-patients who died by suicide within a week of admission were matched with 107 living controls.
Main Results:
- 40% of suicides occurred within the first 3 days of admission.
- Independent risk factors identified include previous self-harm, recent adverse life events, and a short duration of illness (<12 months).
- A substantial proportion of suicides occurred while patients were on leave, often without staff agreement.
Conclusions:
- The initial days of psychiatric in-patient care represent the highest risk period for suicide.
- Risk assessments should incorporate history of self-harm, recent life events, and illness duration.
- Enhanced vigilance, particularly concerning patient leave and ward exits, is essential for suicide prevention.
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