Year: 2000 Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, v.102, no.4, (October 2000), p.290-294 SIEC No: 20060881

In-patient suicides in two psychiatric hospitals in Austria were assessed over 8 years (1987-1994). Cases were detected by comparing police data with the hospitals’ admission & discharge records. 44 in-patient suicides occurred. The majority of patients had been diagnosed with affective disorders or schizophrenia. The majority of open ward suicides happened outside the hospital; 39.4% of patients had left the ward without giving notice. Additional cautionary measures are warranted especially for patients in open wards. (28 refs.)