Factors Related in Suicide Attempts in Admitted Poisoned Patients

Abstract

Introduction Suicide is considered as a public health problem. Approximately 0.9% of all deaths worldwide are due to suicide. This study was performed to identify risk factors of suicide attempts among patients who admitted in a medical toxicology centre during three months. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out; all admitted patients in our medical toxicology centre due to suicidal attempt who completed consent form were included from December to March 2013. A researcher designed questionnaire was prepared and its validity and reliability was confirmed; it was fulfilled by a psychologist via clinical interview. Data were analyzed by SPSS software 11.5 and results were discussed. Results:198 participants included; of whom 67.2% were female and 94.9% were less than 45 year old. Among the patients, approximately 48% of the patients were married; 27.77% were employed. More than 96% suffered from severe depression, 3.53% of the patients had psychotic symptoms. Personality disorders, previous suicidal attempt, unemployment, full stressed family, family history of suicidal attempt, moderate to severe depression and a history of dependence on antipsychotic drugs and lack of family support were identified as risk factors for suicide. Conclusion: Attention to personality trait and family environment can be mainly effective in long-term prevention of suicide, treatment of physical illness in patients with chronic health conditions, evaluation and treatment of psychiatric issues in addition to family and social problems, and organizing educational courses to families with suicide history can be helpful.