Suicide attempts : a retrospective study.

Date
1991
Authors
Jeenah, Fatima Yasmien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Citation
Collections