ABSTRACT
This comparative longitudinal study investigated aftercare and compliance of attempted suicide patients after standardized psychosocial assessment. Structured interviews were conducted 1 month (FU1) and 6 months (FU2) after an index suicide attempt. Assessment was associated with more frequent discussion of treatment options with the patient at the hospital and a shorter interval between discharge and contacting the general practitioner (GP). A near significant effect was found for discussing the suicide attempt with the GP more frequently and with start or change of the medication scheme after the index attempt. The current findings support the use of a standardized tool for the assessment of suicide attempters and are in line with the chain of care model for suicide attempters.
Subject(s)
Aftercare , Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Suicide, Attempted/prevention & control , Suicide, Attempted/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidence , Male , PsychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Notwithstanding the epidemiological studies indicating an increased risk of attempted suicide among adolescents and young adults, there is a scarcity of international studies that examine long-term epidemiological trends in rates and characteristics of this vulnerable group. AIMS: This article describes the results of a 9-year monitoring study of suicide attempts in adolescents and young adults referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Gent University Hospital (Belgium). METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2004, trends, sociodemographic, and methodrelated characteristics of suicide attempts were assessed by a psychiatrist on data sheets. RESULTS: Attempted suicide rates declined from 1996 to 2001 and then rose until 2004, but did not exceed previous rates. During the 9 years of monitoring, there was a preponderance of female suicide attempters, except for 1997. Rates of attempts and of fatal suicide were negatively correlated. Significantly more males than females deliberately injured themselves. Younger attempters, especially females, significantly more often poisoned themselves with analgesics. In nearly one in five attempts, alcohol was used in combination with other methods, and alcohol intake was more commonly observed in older suicide attempters. Nearly half of the adolescents were identified as repeaters. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study warrant further monitoring of trends and characteristics of young suicide attempters.
