Suicides of Psychiatric Inpatients - A Systematic Recording in Switzerland of the Years 2000 to 2010

Abstract

To analyze characteristics of suicide methods of psychiatric inpatients that were carried out within and outside of psychiatric hospitals in order to identify adequate suicide prevention measures. Data of 436 inpatient suicides were included in the data base of all institutes of forensic medicine in Switzerland for the years 2000 - 2010. We compared details of suicide methods that were applied within and outside psychiatric hospitals. About two thirds of all suicides were carried out outside psychiatric hospitals. Inpatients most often used jumping in front of a train, jumps from heights and drowning outside of the hospital. Within psychiatric care units patients most often died by hanging, jumps from height and self-poisoning. Heights of fall were significantly lower in suicides carried out within the hospital (Median 9 versus 22 m). In psychiatric hospitals incomplete hanging was found in 75.6 %. Waist belts were the tools most often employed. Windows and other spots in inpatient units should be secured if higher than first storey respectively 4 meters. Suspension points have to be secured at a low level especially in non-public rooms.