Followup of Neuropsychiatric Patients in Suicide Observation Status

Study of 822 patients on “suicide observation status” in veteran’s hospital from 1954-1958. Follow-up in 1962, from clinical records. 93% of sample male, median age 37, 34% diagnosed as schizophrenia. On follow-up: 6% suicide, 17% subsequent suicide attempt, 17% subsequent suicide ideation. Examined predictors of subsequent suicidal behavior. Many methodological problems in the design of this study and its findings. (JE)