Value of Measuring Suicidal Intent in the Assessment of People Attending Hospital Following Self-poisoning or Self-injury

The relationship between suicidal intent & patient characteristics, repetition of self-harm, & suicide was investigated. Clinical & demographic characteristics on 4415 English patients presenting to hospital following self-harm between 1993-2000 were analyzed. Follow-up information on repetition & suicide was investigated for 2489 patients presenting between 1993-1997. Suicidal intent at the time of self-harm was associated with risk of subsequent suicide, especially within the first year & among female patients. (25 refs.)