Suicide attempts : a retrospective study.

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%.