Suicide in the Mentally ill: an Epidemiological Sample and Implications for Clinicians

ICD-9E codes were used to define deaths on which suicide or open verdicts were returned among residents of an OPCS catchment area for the years 1974-81. Of 286 persons identified, 108 had been recent patients. 84% suffered from schizophrenia or depression. Risks of suicide & undetermined death were 31 & 20 times, respectively, those of other residents. Social risk factors varied with diagnosis. It is concluded that recognition of risk indicators & effective monitoring of treatment are important.