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The last appointment before suicide: is suicide intent communicated?
E T Isometsä1, M E Heikkinen, M J Marttunen
1Department of Mental Health, University of Helsinki, Finland.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Most individuals who die by suicide do not communicate their intent to healthcare professionals during their final contact. This study highlights a critical gap in suicide prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding communication patterns during healthcare interactions preceding suicide is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether individuals communicate suicide intent to healthcare professionals within four weeks of their final contact.
- To analyze the frequency of suicide intent discussion in final healthcare appointments.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide psychological autopsy study in Finland.
- Analysis of 571 suicide cases with healthcare contact within 28 days prior to death.
Main Results:
- Suicide intent was discussed in only 22% of final healthcare contacts.
- Discussion of suicide intent was notably infrequent in general practice and nonpsychiatric settings.
Conclusions:
- A majority of suicide victims do not appear to communicate their suicidal intent during their last healthcare appointment.
- Current healthcare interactions may not adequately identify or address suicide risk.