Clinical Characteristics Associated with Suicide in Psychiatric In-patients

Abstract

Objectives: Psychiatric hospitalization is one of the treatment methods for severe suicide attempts. Psychiatric in-patient suicide is thought of as rare but shocking to the patients' families and heath care professionals. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of committing suicide in psychiatric in-patient units, in order to understand the possible associated risk factors. Methods: In a ten-year period there were 8 psychiatric in-patients who committed suicide within the psychiatric units of a medical center. The authors reviewed the socio-demographic and clinical data of all 8 cases, according to the chart records, to analyze the related circumstances surrounding each suicide event. Results: Some of our study results were consistent with the findings of other studies; all patients were diagnosed with mood disorders, suffered from depressed and agitated moods and were hospitalized for treatment due to suicide risk. Conclusion: The following three common conditions were found amongst our subjects. 1) Re-hospitalization within three months after symptom relapse. 2) A fluctuating even improving clinical course prior to the time of suicide. 3) A large proportion of suicide attempts occurring on weekends or Mondays. The clinical significance of these factors needs further examination in a future study.