Admissions for Attempted Suicide to General Hospitals in The Netherlands: 1970-1976

In this presentation, data on general hospital admission rates for attempted suicide in The Netherlands for 1970, 1973, & 1976 were examined. Over the study period, the admission rate rose 70% & was mainly explained by the doubling of admissions for self-poisoning. Women had higher absolute rates than men but the relative increase was less dramatic among females. Relatively high rates were seen in younger age groups, with peak ages for men between 20-24 years & for women, between 30-34 years. These patients stayed comparatively long in the hospital & the majority were not referred for any form of psychiatric help upon discharge.