Factors of Early Suicide After Discharge: a National Linkage Study for Suicide Victims in Taiwan

This study aimed to identify the characteristics associated with early suicide of those patients discharged from psychiatric wards in Taiwan. The results indicated that among 672 suicide victims who died within one year post-discharge between 2000-2004, diagnosis of schizophrenia, shorter disease duration, & co-morbidity with cancer were all significantly associated with suicide occurring within one month of discharge. Clinical diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, recent psychiatric diagnosis, & co-morbidity with severe physical illnesses should receive special monitoring for potential suicide after discharge. (24 refs.) JA