Methods of suicide in different psychiatric diagnostic groups
Journal
Journal of Affective Disorders
Journal Volume
118
Journal Issue
1-3
Pages
196-200
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: An important element in suicide risk assessment is the evaluation of the intended suicide method. This study aimed to compare suicide methods in different psychiatric diagnostic groups in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 12,391 adult suicide cases between 2000 and 2004, which were recorded in official death records, were linked to Taiwan's National Health Insurance data files. A descriptive study was conducted to compare methods of suicide across different psychiatric diagnostic groups. Results: The proportion of jumping suicide was particularly high in cases with more severe psychopathology. Compared to suicide victims without any history of psychiatric disease, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of jumping suicide among schizophrenic, bipolar, and major depressive patients were 3.1 (95% CI: 2.6-3.7), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.8-2.7), and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6-2.2), respectively. Charcoal burning was less frequently used by those with a history of psychiatric diagnosis. Limitations: It is difficult to determine the reliability and validity of the claim data. Information on non-fatal acts of self-harm is unavailable. Conclusions: Suicide victims with different psychiatric diagnoses vary in their choice of suicide methods. ? 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; automutilation; bipolar disorder; human; major depression; mental disease; priority journal; psychiatric diagnosis; risk assessment; schizophrenia; suicide; Taiwan; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bipolar Disorder; Cause of Death; Depressive Disorder, Major; Female; Humans; International Classification of Diseases; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Neurotic Disorders; Risk Assessment; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Statistics as Topic; Suicide; Taiwan; Young Adult
Type
journal article