The profile analysis of attempted-suicide patients referred to Pelonomi Hospital for psychological evaluation and treatment from 1 May 2005 to 30 April 2006

Background. Suicide is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. A suicide occurs every 40 seconds; and there is 1 attempt every 1 to 3 seconds. By 2020; these figures may have doubled. No accurate statistics regarding the occurrence of attempted suicide (or non-fatal suicidal behaviour) in South Africa exist; because there has been no systematic data collection. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of patients who had attempted suicide and were referred to Pelonomi Hospital; Bloemfontein; for psychologicalevaluation and treatment during the period 1 May 2005 to 30 April 2006. Method. A descriptive; retrospective study was conducted. The study population comprised 258 attempted-suicide patients referred to Pelonomi Hospital for psychological evaluation and treatment. A data form was compiled to transfer the relevant information from patients' clinical files. Results. The majority of patients were female (68.9). The median age was 22 years. The most common method used in suicide attempts was drug overdose (66) - mostly antidepressants (19.7)) and analgesics (8.2). More females than males overdosed on drugs (p=0.0103). The main precipitating factors included problematic relationships (55.4); financial problems (22.9); psychiatric problems (22.1); arguments (19.8); abuse (emotional; sexual; physical - 18.2); low self-esteem/ worthlessness/hopelessness/humiliation (16.7); and recent life changes (13.2). Conclusion. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of patients who had attempted suicide. Possible factors associated with suicide attempts in our sample were identified and summarised in the form of a screening checklist. The value of the checklist is that it can be used as a screening method to identify possible suicide risk in patients

Subjective experience of depressed mood among medical students at the University of Pretoria

Introduction. Following the suicide of a 4th-year medical student, questions were raised as to whether medical students are more vulnerable to depression and suicide than their counterparts studying other courses at the University of Pretoria. A literature search revealed that medical students and doctors run a higher risk for suicide than other students and professions. Method. A questionnaire was devised and distributed to medical students and a control group of other students, asking about feelings of despair/hopelessness, suicide ideation and previous attempts, knowledge regarding support structures provided by the university, and willingness to use these structures. Results. Both groups of students responded similarly to all questions. Frequency of diagnosed psychiatric illness, use of medication, and suicidal thoughts and attempts did not differ significantly. Both groups of students were unaware of support services offered by the university, and both were unwilling to utilise such services. The students seemed to have high rates of depression in comparison with prevalence data from other countries. Conclusion. Attempts to improve support for medical students should address students' awareness of available support structures and their willingness to utilise them