Rates and Risk Factors by Ethnic Group for Suicides Within a Year of Contact With Mental Health Services in England and Wales

This study compared suicide rates, clinical symptoms, & perceived preventability of suicide among persons in 4 ethnic groups who died by suicide within 12 months of contact with mental health services. The rates & standardized mortality ratios of suicide following contact with mental health services were calculated by using national suicide data from 1996-2001 for the 4 largest ethnic groups in England & Wales: black Caribbean, black African, South Asian, & white. A total of 8,029 suicides were invesitgated. Rates & standardized mortality ratios varied across ethnic groups. Specific preventive actions must take account of ethnic variations in clinical indices of risk & include more effective treatment of psychosis. (32 refs.)