The General Hospital Patient (IN: Suicide Theory and Clinical Aspects, ed. by L D Hankoff and B Einsidler)

This chapter deals with the demographic aspects of suicide in general hospitals. Two studies were reviewed. The most common method used was jumping; patients involved were either curonically or terminally ill, & many patients had more than one illness. Factors were losses, poor social adjustment, tenuous family ties, helplessness, hopelessness, boredom, & feelings of worthlessness. A framework for the understanding & prevention of hospital suicide is presented. (CM)