A study of psychosocial factors in attempted suicides attending a tertiary care hospital in Kanchipuram, South India

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide attempt is a self-injurious behavior with a non-fatal outcome. An insight into psychosocial factors and methods used can be used to device effective preventive strategies. Aims:The aim is to study the psycho-social factors and to find the frequency of different methods used in attempted suicides. Materials and Methods:This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based analysis of attempted suicides. 44 consecutive attempted suicides admitted in the emergency ward and referred to the Psychiatry department were taken into the study. A Semi-structured intake Performa consisting of socio-demographic data, detailed history of current suicide attempt, and access to means were noted. MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), Hamilton Depression rating scale, Beck's suicide intent scale, and Barratt's impulsiveness scale were used to screen the patients. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In the study it was found that majority of people who attempted suicide were of young age, females, married, fully employed, belonged to class IV socioeconomic status and attempts were made equally during day and night. The most common method was drugoverdose followed by poisoning with Organo-Phosphorous compounds. Mental illness was found only in 34% individuals, of which most common was depression. And one-fourth of the individuals had contact with General Practitioner within one month of the suicide attempt. Conclusion:The need for psycho-education and social skills training in adolescents and young adults is implicated in the study. Awareness among the general physicians about suicide prevention would help in bringing down the number of attempts as would strict control of, over the counter drugs and storage of organo-phosphorous compounds.

Choice of poisoning agent and self-reported reasons for attempted suicide - A retrospective study

“…14 Another study reported the presence of psychiatric illness, substance use disorders, and severe medical illness (such as cancer, head injury, peptic ulcer disease, HIV/AIDS, and chronic pain) as some of the other factors that result in suicidal ideation. 15 Research suggests that suicide attempts tend to recur with each attempt showing increased capability of lethality and almost half of serious suicide attempters make another attempt within 5 years. 16 Addressing patient's distress, understanding their perspectives, provision of support, education, coping strategies, regular review, and follow-up might be helpful in forestalling reattempts.…”