An Analysis of Ambulance-Transported Cases of Attempted Suicide in 3 Prefectures (Akita, Aomori, and Iwate) in the Northern Tohoku Area in Japan

A survey was conducted of the 2,556 patients who attempted suicide & were transported via ambulance during 2003-2004 in 3 prefectures in the northern Tohoku area in Japan. The mean age of the patients was 47.2 years. Depression was the most common underlying mental disorder. Public education & other societal actions are necessary for the prevention of suicide. Considering the need to detect depression to prevent attempts, single or multiple, psychiatrists & primary physicians should be proactively involved in suicide prevention. (8 refs.)