Medline ® Abstract for Reference 113
of 'Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults'
113
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The Wessex Recent In-Patient Suicide Study, 1. Case-control study of 234 recently discharged psychiatric patient suicides.
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King EA, Baldwin DS, Sinclair JM, Baker NG, Campbell MJ, Thompson C
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Br J Psychiatry. 2001;178:531.
BACKGROUND:
Psychiatric patients have a higher suicide risk following hospital discharge.
AIMS:
To identify social, clinical and health-care delivery factors in recently discharged patients.
METHOD:
Retrospective case-control study of 234 patients who died within 1 year of hospital discharge, matched for age, gender, diagnosis and admission period with 431 controls. Odds ratios for identified risk factors were calculated using conditional multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS:
Independent increased-risk factors were: not being White; living alone; history of deliberate self-harm (DSH); suicidal ideation precipitating admission; hopelessness; admission under different consultant; onset of relationship difficulties; loss of job; in-patient DSH; unplanned discharge; significant care professional leaving/on leave. Reduced-risk factors were: shared accommodation; delusions at admission; misuse of non-prescribed substances; and continuity of contact.
CONCLUSIONS:
Continuity of contact may reduce suicide risk. Discontinuity of care from a significant professional is associated with increased risk of suicide.
AD
Mental Health Group, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. eak@soton.ac.uk
PMID