Citation

Smith D, Fisher L, Goldney RD. Int. J. Ment. Health Nurs. 2002; 11(4): 220-224.

Affiliation

Adelaide Clinic, 33 Park Terrace, Gilberton, South Australia 5006, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc., Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12664452

Abstract

Suicidal ideation and behaviour are sometimes considered to be manipulative, with the intention of escaping from intolerable situations leading to prolonged hospitalization. The present study examined the length of hospitalization of those who had attempted suicide or had suicidal ideation compared to non-suicidal patients, as measured by the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales in two private psychiatric hospitals. Suicidal patients had a significantly shorter length of hospitalization, despite their significantly greater degree of psychiatric morbidity. Results indicated that it is erroneous to preclude inpatient care for those who are suicidal on the assumption that it will promote prolonged hospitalization.

Language: en