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Suicide among psychiatric in-patients in a changing clinical scene. Suicidal ideation as a paramount index of short-term risk.

Authors :
Morgan HG
Stanton R
Source :
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science [Br J Psychiatry] 1997 Dec; Vol. 171, pp. 561-3.
Publication Year :
1997

Abstract

Background: Rapid changes in styles of clinical practice mean that we should carefully monitor the way suicides occur among psychiatric patients both in hospital and in the wider community.<br />Method: Patients who had died through suicide either while receiving in-patient care or within 2 months of discharge from hospital were compared with a similar series reported 10 years previously. Clinicians' perceptions of patients' behaviour were compared with concurrent controls.<br />Results: Patients in the more recent study were younger, more often male, and a greater proportion had been discharged from in-patient status. Hazards which complicated risk assessment included short-lasting misleading clinical improvements, variability in degree of distress, and a reluctance to discuss suicidal ideas. Over a range of perceived behaviours it was not possible to distinguish suicides from controls.<br />Conclusions: In assessing suicide risk paramount importance should be attached to monitoring suicidal ideation and addressing the several hazards which might complicate this procedure.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0007-1250
Volume :
171
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9519097
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.171.6.561