Suicide in the context of COVID-19 diagnosis in India: Insights and implications from online print media reports.

BACKGROUND: Suicide reports during the COVID pandemic is an increasing cause for concern. However, there is a limited understanding of suicide among individuals with positive/suspected COVID diagnosis specifically. Hence, this study, using online newspaper reports, aimed to determine factors influencing suicide among individuals withCOVID-19 infection status. METHODOLOGY: Information regarding positive/suspected COVID related suicide was obtained from online newspapers published in 4 languages between 30th Jan 2020 to 16th August 2020 using google news aggregator. Of 235 online identified, 93 were eligible for analysis after the exclusion and analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Median Age of COVID related suicide victims was 45 years (range 15 - 80) wherein 61.3% belonged to 30-59 year age group, and 75.3% were males. 50% of suicides occurred within the first week of COVID diagnosis confirmation, and 50% suicides occurred at COVID centres. Hanging (53.8%) was the commonest method of suicide, followed by jumping (12.9%). CONCLUSION: Higher risk for suicide was observed among male gender and those with positive/suspected COVID infection within the first week, while receiving treatment in COVID care centres. Hanging and jumping were the two commonest methods. The above highlight an urgent need to integrate suicide preventive strategies into standard care protocols of COVID-19 positive and suspected cases.

Liabilities and penalties under Mental Healthcare Act 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017 is an act passed to regulate and provide mental health care and services. The act considers psychiatrists as one of the main mental health providers. Liabilities are prescribed under various chapters of MHCA 2017. It is imperative for practitioners to be completely aware of and follow the rules as per MHCA 2017, now that the rules are already framed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough review of MHCA 2017, Central Mental Health Rules, and State Mental Health Rules 2018 was done. In addition, related scientific articles were accessed in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords such as mental health legislation, law, and mental health. Relevant articles were reviewed to arrive at suggestions. OBSERVATIONS: Important liabilities are around the domains of registration of professionals and institutions, maintenance of records, promoting the rights of the persons with mental illness during treatment, and following the provisions of MHCA 2017 during admission and discharge. Punishment for contravention of provisions of the Act or rules or regulations made thereunder is clear and stringent and may vary from fine to imprisonment. SUGGESTIONS: Mental Health Professionals should understand the provisions of MHCA 2017 along with the rules and regulations made under this act. Please maintain basic medical records of all outpatients and inpatients and basic report of psychological assessments and release it upon request by the patient or nominated representative.