Suicide in general hospitals

Of 14 medical and surgical patients who committed suicide in a general hospital, there were ten men and four women, ranging in age from 19 to 82. The patients had not made statements of suicidal intent; however, their hospital records showed there had been symptoms of depression and contained indirect references to a preoccupation with suicide. Most of the patients had been depressed because of their illnesses or distressing symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that there are clues that help anticipate suicide. Awareness by hospital staffs of symptoms and subtle signs of depression and of suicidal thoughts in patients is important in reducing the number of suicides in general hospitals. Of preventive and treatment measures, warmth, compassion and commitment to the care of patients by hospital staffs are most important.