Effect of psychiatric intervention in attempted suicide: a controlled study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Deliberate self-poisoning and self-injury are significant public health concerns.
• Patient follow-up after emergency department presentation is crucial for assessing outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of psychiatric intervention on subsequent suicidal behavior in patients presenting with self-harm.
• To compare outcomes between patients who received psychiatric treatment and those who did not.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 211 patients presenting with self-poisoning or self-injury was followed up for 18 months.
• Patients were categorized into treated (brief or prolonged psychiatric/social help) and untreated groups.
• Subsequent suicidal attempts and suicides were recorded and compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Untreated patients had significantly more subsequent suicidal attempts compared to treated patients.
• Prolonged psychiatric treatment was associated with the best prognosis.
• A trend towards lower actual suicide rates was observed in treated patients, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric intervention is associated with a significant reduction in subsequent suicidal behavior.
• Early and adequate psychiatric and social support is vital for improving outcomes in self-harm patients.
• The findings underscore the importance of adhering to hospital policies for psychiatric assessment before discharge.