Repetition of Parasuicide: Risk Factors in General Hospital Referred Patients

A cohort of 632 patients referred to the accident & emergency ward of a university hospital following a suicide attempt was followed-up for a 6-month period. An epidemiological description of the patients is provided & comparisons made with other studies. A history of previous suicidal behaviours & the occurrence of early repetitions during the study period are discussed. The specific characteristics of the cohort are then described & the use of risk factors in the establishment of care strategy policies is discussed. (26 refs)