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Suicide in the Mentally Ill

An Epidemiological Sample and Implications for Clinicians

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Elizabeth King
Elizabeth King*
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, RSH Hospital, Southampton S09 4PE
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Abstract

Background

Information on risk factors associated with high rates of suicide is necessary, if suicide rates among the mentally ill are to be reduced.

Method

We used ICD-9 E-codes to define deaths on which suicide or open (undetermined death) verdicts were returned, among residents of a catchment area defined by OPCS area codes. Relative risks of suicide and undetermined deaths for recent patients (those in contact with a psychiatric service in the year preceding death) were calculated.

Results

Of the 286 persons, 108 were recent patients. Eighty-four per cent suffered from schizophrenia or depression. Risks of suicide and undetermined death for these patients were 31 and 20 times, respectively, those of other residents. Social risk factors varied with diagnosis.

Conclusion

Over 90% of recent patients were receiving medical care at time of death; not all were treated appropriately. Recognising medical and social risk factors in recent patients, and effective monitoring of treatment, is important.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 5 , November 1994 , pp. 658 - 663
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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