Citation

Suominen K, Isometsä E, Henriksson M, Ostamo A, Lonnqvist J. Nord. J. Psychiatry 2004; 58(1): 55-59.

Affiliation

Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. kirsi.suominen@ktl.fi

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08039480310000806

PMID

14985155

Abstract

Few studies have previously investigated patients' evaluation of their psychiatric consultation after attempted suicide. The aim of the present study was to examine the patients' view of their psychiatric consultation after a suicide attempt. Of a systematic sample of 114 suicide attempters in Helsinki, 73 subjects were referred to psychiatric consultation at an emergency room or department, and 53 of these evaluated the consultation received. Half of these suicide attempters considered their psychiatric consultation had occurred too soon after the attempt. Those whose prior attitude toward the consultation was indifferent had higher Hopelessness Scale (HS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores than those who were positive. Psychiatric assessment should not take place before the patient has recovered from toxic effects caused by any overdose attempt. Suicide attempters with severe depression and hopelessness are likely to be those most indifferent to the prospect of psychiatric consultation. The presence of severe depression or hopelessness should not deter active evaluation and treatment.

Language: en