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Inpatient suicides in an Australian mental hospital
1West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth, United Kingdom.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Suicide risk in psychiatric inpatients is high, with many deaths occurring during leave or after absconding. Careful observation and risk evaluation are crucial for patients with suicidal ideation or attempts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Suicide rates are elevated in psychiatric inpatients compared to the general population.
- Mental health professionals face challenges in accurately predicting suicide risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine characteristics of inpatient suicides.
- To identify risk factors associated with suicide in psychiatric inpatients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 103 inpatient suicides over 21 years in a Melbourne psychiatric hospital.
- Comparison of 60 suicide cases with a matched control group.
- Examination of demographic and clinical data, including methods used.
Main Results:
- Over one-third of suicides occurred during approved leave; a similar proportion occurred after absconding.
- Violent methods were most common.
- Suicide was linked to schizophrenia, longer admissions, specific medications, prior self-harm, and fluctuating suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric units should minimize access to suicide methods.
- Close observation is needed for patients with suicidal ideation or attempts, especially before granting leave.
- Careful suicide risk evaluation is essential for at-risk patients.