Suicide Mortality Following First Admission for a Suicide Attempt or Psychiatric Illness

This epidemiological study describes survival patterns of suicide attempters admitted for a first-ever hospitalization for a suicide attempt to any Calgary hospital between 1979-81. Only patients diagnosed with a schizophrenic illness & women over the age of 60 were found to be at significantly increased risk. Results support the hypothesis that suicidal behaviours constitute an independent disorder with an etiology & course that is not invariably tied to the primary psychiatric illness.