Psychiatric follow up after a suicide attempt

Abstract

Introduction

Suicide is a global public health problem. More than 800,000 people die due to suicide every year according to the WHOM. In Spain, about 9 people die due to suicide every day, and the rates increase every year. The presence of previous suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide consumption. Nevertheless, patients sometimes do not receive a correct assistance after a suicide attempt.

Objective

To study the follow-up of patients, without previous psychiatrichistory, who commit a first suicide attempt in the area of Huelva (Spain).

Method

Retrospective review of the electronic clinical histories of patients attended in the Emergency service of Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital after a first suicide attempt during the first six months of 2015.

Results

From January to June of 2015 we collected a total of 159 patients who committed a firs suicide attempt in our area. A total of 69.18% were women and 30.82 were men. In both sex the mean age was 39 years. Out of the 159 attended after a first suicide attempt, only 54% were referred to the Psychiatry service to be followed up. Out of those referred, only 62% actually attended and only half of them really staying treatment.

Conclusions

An adequate psychiatric follow up after a suicide attempt is needed to reduce the risk of more suicide attempts or consumption. A minority (30.8%) of the patients attended in our area after a first suicide attempt received an adequate attention.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.