[Spinal cord injuries caused by suicide attempts]

During 1965-1987 45 patients were admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital in Hornbaek, Denmark because of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to suicide attempts. The proportion of traumatic SCI due to this cause increased significantly during the period: 1965-1974: 3.5%, 1975-1984: 8%, 1985-1987: 13%. The median age at injury was 31 years, and the female to male ratio 1.6. In 38 instances (84%), SCI was caused by jumps from buildings. At the time of the SCI 62% were unemployed or receiving an early pension; 60% were living without a partner; 62% had previously been admitted to psychiatric hospitals, and 31% had previously attempted suicide. A follow up study was conducted in 1988-1989. At follow up 11 patients had died, three from suicide. Of the 34 alive at follow up, seven had attempted suicide, and two reported suicidal thoughts; 71% were living without a partner, 44% had had a psychiatric admission since the SCI; and 56% were taking psychiatric medication.