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Citation |
Owens D, Wood C, Greenwood DC, Hughes T, Dennis M. Br. J. Psychiatry 2005; 187: 470-475. |
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Affiliation |
Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds School of Medicine, 15 Hyde Terrace, Leeds LS2 9LT, UK. d.w.owens@leeds.ac.uk. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2005, Royal College of Psychiatry) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16260824 |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND: Suicide reduction is government strategy in many countries. We need to quantify the connection between non-fatal self-poisoning and eventual suicide. AIMS: To determine mortality after an episode of self-poisoning and to identify predictors of death by any cause or by suicide. METHOD: A retrospective single-group cohort study was undertaken with 976 consecutive patients attending a large accident and emergency unit in 1985-1986 after non-fatal self-poisoning. Information about deaths was determined from the Office for National Statistics. RESULTS: Of the original patients, 94% were traced 16 years later; 17% had died, 3.5% by probable suicide. Subsequent suicide was related to numerous factors evident at the time of the episode of self-poisoning but, when examined for their independent effects, only the severity of the self-poisoning episode and relevant previous history seemed important. CONCLUSIONS: Patients attending a general hospital after self-poisoning all require good basic assessment and care responsive to their needs. Attempts to reduce the huge excess of suicide subsequentto self-harm are not likely to achieve much if they are based on the identification of subgroups through'risk assessment'. |