Citation

Taiminen T. Nord. J. Psychiatry 1993; 47(3): 191-194.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/08039489309103323

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Until now only some individual suicide epidemics in psychiatric hospitals have been reported, and the quantitative effect of suicide contagion on inpatient suicide rates seems to be very limited. On the other hand, an increase in inpatient suicide rates has been reported in many countries, and suicide contagion may thus have growing importance in the future. The author reviews first briefly the literature on suicide contagion among psychiatric inpatients. The factors predisposing to suidice contagion relating to the hospital, staff, and patients are discussed. Finally, some practical measures for the prevention of suicide contagion in psychiatric wards are suggested. © 1993 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Suicide contagion; Mental hospital; Inpatient suicide