Year: 1991 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.158, (March 1991), p.368-374 SIEC No: 19911052

27 suicides & 5 other unexpected deaths were identified over a 30 month period by matching information from coroner’s records with hospital admissions & discharge registers. A questionnaire concerning assessment & management was completed for each case. In 20 of the suicides the risk was not fully recognized; 13 absented themselves from the hospital without leave. Misleading clinical improvement & patient alienation were important hazards. Implications of these findings are discussed. (7 refs.)