The first time when people attempt suicide first contact is critical. Psychiatrists must decide to hospitalize them or follow-up in mental health units and the bases of a doctor-patient relationship are formed.

An analysis of referrals to psychiatry from the emergency room (ER) was developed. Our objective was to discover if there was a statistical correlation between gender and other variables, especially repeated visits and admissions.

Our sample was composed of patients who visited the ER for suicidal tendencies for 20 months. We carried out an observational retrospective study. The variables collected were: age, gender, cause, repeated visit (visit to the ER in the following two months), previous attempts, previous follow-up, method used, use of toxic substances during the attempt, intentionality, referral from the ER, later follow-up and diagnostic impression at the ER.

A total of 620 patients were sampled. The relationship between gender and repeated visit, previous attempts, dysfunctional personality traits, use of substances and later follow-up was found (Chi2). Although the relationship between admissions and gender were not statistically significant, influence by gender (over all in males) can be observed in logistic regression models. As well as, in patients who visited the ER several times, dysfunctional personality traits seem to be the most common but gender marks significant differences between groups.

The data obtained is consistent with those reported in previous studies. To know who the riskier groups are can allow professionals to plan protocols and unify admission criteria.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.