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Association between changes in psychiatric services and increases in suicide rates
Archiv Fur Psychiatrie Und Nervenkrankheiten
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Changes in psychiatric services in Iceland from 1955-1978 were linked to a higher suicide rate among patients. New therapeutic methods introduced after 1965 may be a contributing factor, necessitating further evaluation and suicide prevention measures.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Medical History
Background:
- The study examines psychiatric services at Iceland's largest psychiatric hospital between 1955 and 1978.
- Significant shifts in service provision occurred, particularly after 1965.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between evolving psychiatric services and suicide rates.
- To determine if changes in therapeutic approaches correlate with patient suicide incidence.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis comparing suicide rates in two distinct periods: 1955-1964 and 1965-1978.
- Correlation analysis between service modifications and observed suicide rates within the patient population.
Main Results:
- The patient population exhibited a significantly elevated suicide rate during the 1965-1978 period compared to 1955-1964.
- A notable increase in suicide rates coincided with the introduction of new psychiatric services and therapeutic methods post-1965.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that changes in psychiatric services are associated with an increased suicide rate.
- Therapeutic methods implemented after 1965 may be a partial cause of this rise, highlighting the need for their evaluation.
- Enhanced suicide prevention strategies are recommended in light of these findings.