Case History and Hospitalization Factors in Suicides of Neuropsychiatric Hospital Patients

Data were collected, retrospectively, from records of 218 suicides, 220 controls, all male, VA hospitals neuropsychiatric population. Suicide patients were younger, more likely single, had higher level of education. They had more serious psychiatric symptoms, a history of acting-out. They were of independent-dissatisfied type. 60% committed suicide while out of hospital, 41% had made previous attempts, 40% died by hanging.