Subsequent Self-Destructive Behaviour of Suicide Attempters Treated on Medical Wards in a General Hospital

A follow-up study of 159 persons hospitalized for treatment of drug overdoses indicated a continuing high rate of self-destructive behavior, particularly in those who had not been referred for psychiatric treatment following the key attempt. Most completed suicides were from this group. The author suggests the need for referral of attempters unable to communicate their suicidality (ie., deny attempting suicide), for psychiatric treatment.(NBB)