Treatment of Severe Injuries Caused by Attempted Suicide: Pattern of Injury and Influence of the Psychiatric Disorder on the Postoperative Course

36 patients who had been admitted to hospital in Germany after attempting suicide were studied retrospectively to assess the influence of psychiatric disorders on their treatment & postoperative course. 18 had previously attempted suicide. 29 were receiving psychiatric are at the time of the attempt. 5 patients died. Functional results were better than expected in the 31 survivors. The psychological effects of severe injuries & a long hospital stay seemed to reduce the risk of a further attempt.