Evaluation of Psychiatric Consultations With Suicide Attempters

Evaluated diagnosis, management & disposition in 120 psychiatric consults with patients following an attempt. 43% had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital previously or at the time of the attempt. Estimation of the reoccurrence of suicidal behavior had a low predictive value (54%). 25-50% of subjects were negative about or not satisfied with the consult but compliance with referrals was 79%. It is argued that consultants did not pay enough attention to recurrent suicidal behavior.