Citation

Skogman K, Bolmsjö IA, Ojehagen A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 54.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University Hospital, Kioskgatan 19, S-221 85 Lund, Sweden. (katarina.skogman@med.lu.se)

Copyright

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

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963937

Abstract

The objective was to describe suicide attempters' experiences and views on suicidality and its origins and on what might prevent suicide attempts. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Great complexity and inter-individual differences were noted in the processes described to precede attempted suicide. A recurrent theme was 'not being in control '. Experiences of emotional pain and draining mental and physical energy were emphasised. The final step from thought to action was described as impulsive by most informants. Immediately before the suicide attempt two states of impaired cognitive functioning and altered emotions were described: One characterized by confusion and panic, and another characterized by 'tunnel vision' and 'turned off emotions'. In this phase one neither could nor wanted to seek help. Possible preventive factors were avoiding unnecessary causes, own abilities (learning to find alternative solutions and seek help) and improvements of professional help. It seems important to help suicide attempters to seek help before it is perceived as too late, and to develop strategies to cope with acute suicidal states of mind. Further, the importance of targeting problems perceived as the most important ones by the patient is underlined.

Language: en