Abstract

Records were obtained of all suicide and open verdicts in York (n=127) between 1990–1994 inclusive. Those with no past or current contact with psychiatric services were identified (n=67). The extent and nature of this group's general (i.e. non-psychiatric) hospital contact in the months prior to death was established. Thirteen per cent (9/67) of these received general hospital input in the month before death with eight out of the nine aged over 65. Five of the 67 suicides showed evidence of depression. General hospital practitioners are in a position to make a small but important contribution in reducing the suicide rate.

Highlights

  • Records were obtained of all suicide and open verdicts in York (n=127)between 1990-1994inclusive

  • The paper makes the assumption that doctors have the ability to prevent suicide

  • Meats & Solomka (1995) reviewed 112 suicide and self-harm open verdicts in Nottinghamshire between 1987 and 1991, obtaining figures remarkably similar to those of Matthews et al While suicides made increasing use of their general practit ioner (GP) in the year prior to death compared to a control group, only 41% saw him in the month prior to death

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Summary

Introduction

Records were obtained of all suicide and open verdicts in York (n=127)between 1990-1994inclusive. While this may be open to debate, it is undoubtedly the case that doctors can do little to prevent suicide unless they have contact with the victims prior to the act. In his series of 100 suicides, two-thirds visited their general practit ioner (GP) in the month prior to death and 40% in the week before.

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