Suicide attempts : a retrospective study.

Date
1991
Authors
Jeenah, Fatima Yasmien
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Abstract
A descriptive study of 130 suicide attempts seen at the psychiatric department, Baragwanath Hospital during the six month period 01/01/89 to 30/06/89 is presented. Demographic, clinical and psychosocial data were reviewed and discussed. A follow-up assessment was done six months after the suicide attempt. The patients who had attempted suicide made up 10% of the patients seen at the psychiatric department. Seventy six percent of the patients that attempted suicide were under the age of 30 years. The male:female ratio was 1:2. The ingestion of chemicals (65%) was the predominant method used, The major predisposing factor was interpersonal conflict (70%). It was found that these patients were less likely than whites to have previously self-poisoned, have received previous psychiatric treatment, or be suffering from depression or a personality disorder. Sixty nine percent of the patients were given follow-up appointments. There was a poor followup rate (25%). A recurrence of suicidal behaviour within six months was 4%.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of the witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in part fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Medicine in psychiatry.
Keywords
Suicide. , Suicide, Attempted.
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