Attempted Suicide: a Study of 100 Patients Referred to a General Hospital

One hundred attempted suicides admitted to Royal Perth Hospitls, Australia were studied. 81% were 15-44 years old. 19% were over 45. Intoxicating alcohol levels were found in 28% of the patients. Barbiturate poisoning accounts for 55% of drug overdoses. Diagnosis of various factors leading to suicide attempts suggest that patients who come into medical care should be given a full psychiatric examination & assessment, & if necessary, be admitted to hospital until this is done.