Suicide Frequency Among Persons Who Have Attempted Suicide: A 10 Years Followup

In 1958, the author personally interviewed 484 patients (198 males, 286 females) who had survived a suicide attempt. Ten years later, 54 of the males & 56 of the females had died: 45 from natural causes, 12 by accidents & 53 by suicide(10.9% of the original sample). Most occurred within the 6 year period after the attempt (1/3 within the 1st year). High risk were men 50-59, disabled pensioners, those living alone, & criminals. It is strongly urged that attempters be followed up closely.