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One hundred in-patient suicides

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

France Proulx ,
Alain D. Lesage  and
Frédéric Grunberg
France Proulx*
Affiliation:
Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
Alain D. Lesage
Affiliation:
Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Frédéric Grunberg
Affiliation:
Centre de Recherche Fernand-Seguin Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
*
Dr France Proulx, Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, Department of Psychiatry, 3120 Taschereau Blvd, Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada J4V 2HI
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Abstract

Background

The study aimed to define the characteristics and assess the clinical predictability and possible prevention of psychiatric in-patient suicides.

Method

The coroner's files on all suicides in the Greater Montreal Region from 1 April 1986 to 31 March 1991 were examined. The medical records of each case of suspected in-patient suicide were then reviewed and rated for predictability and preventive measures taken.

Results

A total of 3079 suicides were recorded over this five-year period (mean annual rate of 16.4 per 100 000 inhabitants). Of these, 104 (3.4%) involved hospital in-patients. Nearly half (48%) of these in-patient suicides occurred outside the hospital setting. The methods most frequently employed were hanging (36%) and jumping from high places (24%). Patients suffering from an affective disorder (45%) or schizophrenia (35%) comprised the majority of the sample. Suicides were significantly more predictable in general hospital psychiatric wards. Suicide prevention measures did not differ significantly across settings.

Conclusions

The majority of in-patient suicides were not highly predictable. For highly predictable suicides, the results underline the importance of actively treating and protecting these patients.

Information

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 3 , September 1997 , pp. 247 - 250
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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