[Development and Periodicity of Human Exposures in Suicidal Intention Reported to the Centre Erfurt from 2004-2013]

Aim of the Study: Exposures in suicide attempts are demanding for hospitals and poisons information centres (PICs). Therefore, the time characteristics of their frequency were studied. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all human exposures reported to Centre Erfurt from the beginning of 2004 to the end of 2013 according to their frequency in the respective year, season, month, weekday, time of the weekday, circumstances of exposure, age and gender. Results: 59.7% of all exposures (n=137 104) were accidental, 23.4% occurred in suicide attempts and 3.3% in substance abuse. 0.3% of the suicide attempts resulted in death. Their number continuously increased from n=2 422 in 2004 to n=3 458 in 2013, but their relative frequency remained almost constant at 23.4%. Their highest numbers were reached in the spring and summer with maxima in July and August and minima in February and September. During the week, the most suicide attempts were observed between Sunday and Tuesday and the least on Friday. Highest rate of suicide attempts was seen at 10 pm and lowest at 6 am. The median of age was 39 years (first quartile 24 years, third quartile 50 years). The female proportion was almost twice as high as the male. Conclusions: Hospitals the Centre Erfurt is serving should be particularly prepared for exposures in suicide attempts in the spring and summer (especially in July and August), at the beginning of the week and shortly before midnight.