Chronic callers to a suicide prevention center

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic callers represent a significant challenge for suicide prevention centers.
• Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of this population is crucial for improving services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic and diagnostic profiles of chronic callers.
• To determine the rates of suicide and suicide attempts within this group.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of referral to ongoing treatment resources.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of records for 67 chronic callers over 9 years.
• Analysis of diagnostic data, including substance dependence.
• Tracking of suicide deaths and attempts.
• Assessment of referrals to treatment.

Main Results:

• 51% of chronic callers were diagnosed with drug or alcohol dependence.
• 4 out of 67 (approx. 6%) known suicides occurred in this group.
• 55% (37 individuals) had a history of suicide attempts.
• 47% of chronic callers were referred to ongoing treatment.

Conclusions:

• Substance dependence is highly prevalent among chronic callers to suicide prevention services.
• Chronic callers exhibit a high risk for suicide and suicide attempts.
• Referral to ongoing treatment resources is a common outcome for this population, suggesting its utility.