Citation

Mellesdal L, Mehlum L, Jargensen H, Wentzel-Larsen T. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 140.

Affiliation

Haukeland Univesity Hospital, Department of psychiatry and Suicide Research and Prevention Unit, University of Oslo, Sandviken Pb 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway. (liv.mellesdal@helse-bergen.no)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964130

Abstract

Background: There is a need for prospective studies addressing the diversity of characteristics, clinical course and treatment needs of the heterogeneous group of suicidal patients admitted as an emergency. Aim: To characterize and differentiate between subgroups in the large population of patients hospitalised as an emergency from a catchment area because of risk of suicide (index group). Methods: The index group is compared to all other patients hospitalised as an emergency from the same catchment area and time period, in terms of demographic, social, clinical and functional variables. Health care received prior to and after the emergency unit stay, will be described for the total population. Patients in the index group were given an additional structured clinical interview during their stay, and a follow-up interview 6 months after the index admission. Results of baseline registration: During the first 8 months of registration 857 patients were included. Suicide risk was involved in about 50% of the admissions. Patients with mood disorders as a principal diagnosis accounted for 38% of all admissions and 45% of admissions due to risk of suicide. Similarly, patients with schizophrenia accounted for 22% and 8% of admissions respectively, substance use disorders 17% and 20%, and personality disorders 8% and 12%.

Language: en