Adult Suicidal Behaviour of Native Psychiatric Inpatients: A Retrospective, Record-Based Study

Abstract

Suicide is derived from the Latin word for “self-murder” It is a fatal act that represents the person’s wish to die. A suicide attempt is a behaviour that the individual has undertaken with at least some intent to die. The behaviour might or might not lead to death, injury or serious medical consequences. Several factors can influence the medical consequences of the suicide attempt, including poor planning, lack of knowledge about the lethality of the method chosen, low intentionality or ambivalence, or chance intervention by others after the behaviour has been initiated [1]. Determining the degree of intent can be challenging. Individuals might not acknowledge intent, especially in situations where doing so could result in hospitalization or cause distress to loved ones. Markers of risk include degree of planning, including selection of a time and place to minimize rescue or interruption; the individual’s mental state at the time of the behaviour, with acute agitation being especially concerning; recent discharge from inpatient care; or recent discontinuation of a mood stabilizer such as lithium or an antipsychotic such as clozapine in the case of schizophrenia. Approximately 25%-30% of persons who attempt suicide will go on to make more attempts. Suicidal behaviour is seen in the context of a variety of mental disorders, most commonly bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, eating disorders, and Abstract Introduction: Suicidal behaviour is seen in the context of a variety of mental disorders and while many believe that, in general, first episode psychosis is a particularly high-risk period for suicide, no general agreement regarding higher prevalence of suicide in first episode psychosis is achievable. In the present study, suicides and suicide attempts among psychiatric in-patients has been evaluated to assess the general profile of suicidal behaviour among native psychiatric inpatients and probing any relationship between serum cholesterol level and suicidal behaviour.