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Citation |
Matschnig T, Fruhwald S, Frottier P. Psychiatr. Prax. 2006; 33(1): 6-13. |
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Vernacular Title |
Suizide hinter Gittern im internationalen Vergleich. |
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Affiliation |
Klinische Abteilung fur Sozialpsychiatrie und Evaluationsforschung, Universitatsklinik fur Psychiatrie, AKH Wien, Osterreich. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2006, Georg Thieme Verlag) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16389577 |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: International surveys found an increase of mentally disordered individuals in correctional institutions. As a consequence, suicides and suicide rates in jails and prisons are increasing. Mental health services and criminal justice authorities have identified this problem, but there is a lack of knowledge concerning risk factors for inmate suicides and practicable prevention. METHOD: A literature research was conducted through "medline" searching for studies addressing the problem of jail and/or prison suicide. Subsequently, results of relevant surveys were compared and depicted in several tables. RESULTS: Suicide rates in correctional facilities significantly exceed those in the general male population. Suicide rates in custody have been increasing within the last decades. Pre-trial prisoners have the highest suicide risk within the total prison population. Long-term sentences, single-cell use, mental illness, substance abuse and a history of suicidality are associated with an increased suicide risk. DISCUSSION: The impact of suicide prevention strategies and future directions of research in this high-risk setting are highlighted. |