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Suicide in Avon

Life stress, alcohol misuse and use of services

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Christopher A. Vassilas  and
H. G. Morgan
Christopher A. Vassilas*
Affiliation:
West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds
H. G. Morgan
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol
*
Dr C. A. Vassilas, West Suffolk Hospital. Hardwick Lane. Bury St Edmunds. Suffolk IP33 2QZ. Fax: 01284 712586
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Abstract

Background

Suicide rates among young men are rising. Further information about their contacts with services and possible associated stressful life events is necessary.

Method

The sample consisted of all cases where the coroner in the County of Avon had given an inquest verdict of suicide over a 20-month period, together with those who were categorised as suicide by a panel of psychiatrists even though they had received open or accidental inquest verdicts. The coroners dossiers and hospital notes were examined and the relevant general practitioners interviewed.

Results

Interpersonal stress in the last 72 hours was much higher in younger suicides. Young male suicides were also much less likely than others to seek help. Levels of alcohol misuse were no higher in younger than older suicides.

Conclusions

Various subgroups of suicide behave differently in the way they seek and utilise help. The implications of these findings for suicide prevention and service strategy are discussed.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 170 , Issue 5 , May 1997 , pp. 453 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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