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Suicide in Scotland 1988–1989

Psychiatric and Physical Morbidity According to Primary Care Case Notes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Steven Milne ,
Keith Matthews  and
G. W. Ashcroft
Steven Milne*
Affiliation:
Whittingham Hospital, Preston
Keith Matthews
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen, Clinical Research Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
G. W. Ashcroft
Affiliation:
University of Aberdeen, Clinical Research Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen
*
Dr Steven Milne, Whittingham Hospital, Goosnargh, Preston PR3 2JH
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Abstract

Background

The aim was to identify the amount of psychiatric and physical morbidity identified in suicide victims prior to death.

Method

A survey was made of primary care records of Scottish suicide victims in the years 1988 and 1989.

Results

Less morbidity was encountered than in previous studies. Single persons and persons from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to have a diagnosis of depression. No association was found between physical and psychiatric morbidity. Depressed single persons and depressed persons from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to receive antidepressants. GPs prescribed lower dosages of antidepressants than psychiatrists. Patients receiving antidepressants were more likely to die by drug overdose.

Conclusions

There are groups in whom depression may be being overlooked and others in whom depression could be treated more vigorously. There are risks in prescribing antidepressants which are potentially fatal in overdose.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 4 , October 1994 , pp. 541 - 544
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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