@article{ref1,
title="Spinal cord and related injuries after attempted suicide: psychiatric diagnosis and long-term follow-up",
journal="Spinal Cord",
year="2007",
author="Stanford, R. E. and Soden, R. and Bartrop, R. and Mikk, M. and Taylor, T. K.",
volume="45",
number="6",
pages="437–443-437–443",
abstract="Study Design:Retrospective analysis of acute spinal cord injuries (ASCI).Objectives:Determine incidence of ASCI due to suicide attempt from 1970 to 2000. Describe demographics, injuries, mental illness, functional outcomes and nature of subsequent deaths.Setting:State spinal cord injury services, New South Wales, Australia.Methods:Retrospective record review and follow-up interview.Results:Of 2752 ASCI admissions, 56 were because of attempted suicide (55 falls, one gun-shot wound). Thirty-six males and 20 females. Median age 30 years (15-74). Most common levels of vertebral injury were C5 and L1. Twenty-three had complete spinal cord injury. Thirty-two had an Injury Severity Score of &gt;15. Forty had more than one major injury. There was a significant rise in the incidence of ASCI following self-harm over time (Poisson regression, P=0.004). There was a significant change in scene of injury away from hospitals over time (chi (2) test, df=1, P= 0.0001). Psychiatric diagnoses were personality disorder 27; schizophrenia 16; depression 14; chronic alcohol abuse 10; mood disorder 10; chronic substance abuse 10; other four. Follow-up was available in 47 cases (84%) at an average of 8 years. Four subsequent deaths were by suicide. Domiciliary arrangements were: home 28; hospital five; nursing home three; group home/hostel four.Conclusions:Community placement outcomes for survivors were good. Subsequent death by suicide was high. There was a significant rise in cases and a change in injury scene away from hospitals over time.   <p></p>  <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1362-4393",
doi="10.1038/sj.sc.3102043",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3102043"
}