A prospective study on clinical profile and trend in suicide attempters

Abstract

There is a high risk of suicidal attempts in patients with psychiatric problems. This risk varies according to the sociodemographic status and clinical presentation. Periodic systematic profiling of suicidal risk factors in developing countries is an established need. Objectives. The objective was to study the sociodemographic data, psychiatric disorder, precipitating events, mode of attempt, and intent of attempt in suicide attempted patients. Material and methods. During the 1.5 years, 150 referrals were screened for the presence of suicide attempters in consultation-liaison services. Those who fulfilled the criteria for suicide attempters were evaluated by using semistructured pro forma containing sociodemographic data, precipitating events, mode of attempt, psychiatric diagnosis by using ICD-10 and intent of the attempt. Results. Adult age, rural background, housewives and students, unemployed, below matriculation educated were more represented in this study. Gender wise more females are represented. More than 80 % of all attempters had a psychiatric disorder. The majority had a precipitating event before the suicide attempt. The most common method of attempt was by use of insecticide poison. Many have moderate intent in the attempt. Conclusions. The majority of suicide attempt patients had a mental illness. Early identification and treatment of these disorders would have prevented morbidity and mortality associated with this.