Suicide: A major public health problem

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S601-S602
Author(s):  
R. Hernandez Anton ◽  
E. Dominguez Alvarez ◽  
A. Alvarez Astorga ◽  
E. Rybak Koite ◽  
S. Gomez Sanchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Psychiatric History ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The University

IntroductionSuicide is the deliberate act of take off life to itself. According to WHO, more than one million people commit suicide every year.GoalsCompare data of suicide attempts between 1996 and 2014 in the University Hospital of Valladolid. Influence of the economic crisis on suicide data. Expose the risk factors. Provide prevention strategies.Material and methodsWe have performed a study of epidemiological surveillance collecting descriptive data of suicide attempts; using the same methodology as in 1996. The variables studied were: sex, age, day, month, residence, method, personal status, education, employment status, religious believes, family history of suicide, psychiatric history and family and personal psychiatric history.ResultsIncrease in the rate of suicide attempts 27%. Distribution by sex is similar, but in 2014, a higher proportion was observed in males. The percentage of women is significantly higher than that of men in the group of teenagers (10–19 years old) (20% women vs. 4.5% of men; P = 0.005); 83.5% have a psychiatric diagnosis (54.2% of them have a depressive disorder). Unemployment and economic problems stand out as environmental stressors in 2014. The main suicide method used in Valladolid is the hanging, and the second method used is the precipitation.ConclusionsThe primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies are very important. Suicide is the major cause of mortality in the young age group (15–24 years old). Mortality in the general population has been on a downward trend; but suicide rates per 100,000 population has remained stable over the last decade.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Sociodemographic and clinical profile in elderly suicide victims: 34 autopsy case studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s887-s887
Author(s):  
S. Ellouze ◽  
I. Baati ◽  
W. Ben Amar ◽  
D. Trigui ◽  
W. Abbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Elderly Suicide

IntroductionThe elderly suicide is a major public health problem that is gaining more and more ground, given the aging population problem. This has rarely been the subject of forensic studies in Tunisia.ObjectivesTo identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of elderly suicide victims over 60 years and to determine what factors might increase suicide risk in this population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on suicide victims aged 60 and over, autopsied in forensic medicine department of the Habib Bourguiba university hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), on a 10-year period (January 2006–December 2015).ResultsWe identified 34 cases with an average age of 66 years. The sex ratio was 2.77. Suicide victims were alone in 38.2% of cases. They were inactive professionally in 32.4% of cases. Almost half of them (44.1%) had a psychiatric history, 40% of depressed pace, 26.7% of bipolar disorder and 13.3% of schizophrenia.Three main factors were identified as precipitating the passage to suicidal act: family conflicts (26.5%), financial difficulties (11.8%) and loss of autonomy (5.9%).Suicide methods were hanging (50%), immolation and drug intoxication (11.8%), hit by train and poisoning (8.8%), jumping from height (5.9%) and drowning (2.9%). In 55.8% of cases, suicide took place at home.ConclusionElderly suicide seems to be a huge but largely preventable public health problem. Its prevention is essentially based on the identification of risk situations and the detection and treatment of depression: major suicide risk factor in this population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The correlation between mood disorders and suicide attempts for the period 2013–2015 at “Mother Teresa” hospital center, Fatbardha Myslimaj, Psychiatrist, Mirela Gokaj, Deana Rama

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S564-S564
Author(s):  
F. Myslimaj ◽  
M. Gokaj ◽  
D. Rama
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Psychiatric Clinic ◽  
Cry For Help ◽  
Suicidal Attempts ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The University ◽  
Hospital Center

BackgroundPeople, who have tried to commit self-injurers or suicidal attempts, refer symptomatic presence of disorders of humor and numerous problems social as factors precipitant to suicidal thoughts and actions. It is important recognition of the signs of suicide and self-inflicting behavior to help prevent suicide.Materials and methodsThe study includes a period of 3 years of cases hospitalized in the psychiatric clinic UHC, since 2013–2015. The data are taken from the records of admissions at the Psychiatric Clinic at the University Hospital Center. Results are grouped and studied issued by mood disorders, sex, age, place of residence and social status.ResultsThe influence of mood disorders is recently estimated very important in causing suicide attempts compared with other mental illnesses, similar values with contemporary literature.ConclusionsThe majority of suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these efforts are made in a way that makes salvation possible. These efforts are often a cry for help. Suicide is a social phenomenon different cognitive aspect such as ethical, philosophical, legal, psychiatric, etc. Employees of psycho-social care should be informed about this phenomenon and finding the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of suicidal attempts by persons at risk of suicide.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Suicide attempts in emergency department

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S170-S170
Author(s):  
K. Hajji ◽  
I. Marrag ◽  
R. Ben soussia ◽  
L. Zarrouk ◽  
S. Younes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Care ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The University

IntroductionThe suicide attempt is a real challenge for the clinician who works at the emergency department in order to identify and propose an adequate care.AimsTo estimate the prevalence of the suicide attempts, to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and to identify the predictors of recurrence.MethodsOur cross-sectional study was conducted at the medical emergency department of the university hospital of Mahdia and lasted for 12 months. Data were collected using a questionnaire of 51 items exploring the general and clinical characteristics and providing information of the treatment.ResultsAmong the 513 consultants, 90 had attempted suicide (17,5%). We found an average age of 26 years old, a sex-ratio (M/F) of 0,3, a secondary education level (53,3%), an unemployment and a single status (38,9% and 75,6%). The presence of psychiatric personal history and/or suicide attempts was found in 31,1% and 33,3% of cases. Suicide attempts were taken place in all cases at home, between 18 and midnight (43,3%), without premeditation (82,2%), in the presence of triggering factor (95,6%), during the last 3 months of the year (34,4%). In 70,2% of cases, the type of the suicide attempts was a drug intoxication. 67,8% of the suicide attempters regretted and criticized their acts.ConclusionA good assessment of the suicide risk determines the type of intervention that should be established and allows an adequate care.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Screening for malnutrition in an elderly population hospitalized at the University Hospital Center of Sidi-Bel-Abbès (West Algeria)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
Norreddine MENADI ◽  
◽  
Samira MEZIANI ◽  
Mohamed ZAIRI ◽  
Fafa BOUKHATMI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
The University

roduction. Undernutrition is a major public health problem and has many consequences for the elderly health. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in an elderly population hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Service of the University Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes (western Algeria). Population and methods. This was a cross-sectional study, including patients aged 65 years and older. The evaluation was based on the anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, body mass index (BMI)), serum albumin level, and the score of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening. Results. The study included 129 patients, who 49.61% were females. The average age was 75.1±7.5 years. The most common disease was diabetes (51%) followed by hypertension (49%). The average stay length in the hospital was 7.3±3.4 days, and a mean drugs intake of 4.1±1.9 drugs per patient. The average BMI was 23.7±4.8 kg/m2 with an average albumin rate of 34.1±6.7 g/L. The screening tools such as BMI and serum albumin revealed respectively 26.2% and 58.9% of malnourished elderly. The score of MNA screening showed that 51.2% of patients were at risk of malnutrition and 37.2% were malnourished. Conclusion. The nutritional risk and the prevalence of malnutrition for this elderly population are significant and constitute a real public health problem.

scholarly journals Attempted Suicide in the Older Adults: A Case Series From the Psychiatry Ward of the University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Gramaglia ◽  
Maria Martelli ◽  
Lorenza Scotti ◽  
Lucia Bestagini ◽  
Eleonora Gambaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Service ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Case Series ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Psychiatric History ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Psychiatric Admission ◽  
Suicide Attempters ◽  
History Of ◽  
The University

Introduction: As suicide rates increase with age, it is mandatory to carefully assess old age suicidal behaviors. Our aim was to describe the main socio-demographic and clinical features of a sample of suicide attempters aged 65 years and older, and to assess differences within the sample (men vs. women; patients with vs. without a previous history of suicide attempt; patients with vs. without a previous psychiatric history).Methods: Retrospective study conducted at the Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy.Results: A higher percentage of female patients in our sample were treated by or referred to mental health services, while a greater percentage of male patients required a prolonged clinical observation in the Emergency Room (ER) or in non-psychiatric wards before psychiatric admission. The percentage of patients without previous psychiatric history taking anxiolytic and sedative medications was 25%.Conclusion: It is likely that different clusters and types of suicide attempters exist. Women in our sample appeared more proactive in asking for help, and more likely to be already treated by or referred to a psychiatric service, suggesting the need to facilitate the access to psychiatric services for the male population aged 65 years and older, or to offer support and care for the non-psychiatric reasons (comorbidities, pain, and loss of autonomy) possibly underlying suicidal behavior in this specific group. The use of medications deserves more attention considering the possible critical diagnostic issues in this age group.

Obesity is associated with previous suicide attempts in bipolar disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiano A. Gomes ◽  
Márcia Kauer-Sant’Anna ◽  
Pedro V. Magalhães ◽  
Felice N. Jacka ◽  
Seetal Dodd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Comprehensive Management ◽  
History Of ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Bipolar Patients ◽  
The University

Gomes FA, Kauer-Sant’Anna M, Magalhães PV, Jacka FN, Dodd S, Gama CS, Cunha Â, Berk M, Kapczinski F. Obesity is associated with previous suicide attempts in bipolar disorder.Objective:There is a paucity of data about risk factors for suicide attempts in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study is to examine the association between suicide attempts and obesity in people with bipolar disorder.Methods:Two hundred fifty-five DSM-IV out-patients with bipolar disorder were consecutively recruited from the Bipolar Disorder Program at Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre and the University Hospital at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil. Diagnosis and clinical variables were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-axis I (SCID I) and Program structured protocol. History of suicide attempts was obtained from multiple information sources including patients, relatives and review of medical records. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were classified as obese.Results:Over 30% of the sample was obese and over 50% had a history of suicide attempt. In the multivariate model, obese patients were nearly twice (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.06–3.69, p = 0.03) as likely to have a history of suicide attempt(s).Conclusion:Our results emphasise the relevance of obesity as an associated factor of suicide attempts in bipolar disorder. Obesity may be seen as correlate of severity and as such, must be considered in the comprehensive management of bipolar patients.

Substance Abuse and Drug-Related Death, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide: A Review

Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Mino ◽  
Arnaud Bousquet ◽  
Barbara Broers
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Hiv Epidemic

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.

Resilience Wellness Program for Suicide Prevention: Implementing the VA Whole Health Paradigm

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Vitale ◽  
Lauren Byma ◽  
Evan Podolak ◽  
Zhaoyu Wang ◽  
Shengnan Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Integrative Health ◽  
Outpatient Program ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Measurement Based Care ◽  
The Us ◽  
Mental Health Programs

Suicide is a major public health problem in the US, specifically among Veterans. The Resilience and Wellness Center (RWC) is an innovative program focused on suicide prevention. The RWC targets vulnerable veterans by augmenting traditional treatments with complementary and integrative health interventions. One critical problem in suicide prevention is lack of engagement in traditional mental health programs, with stigma an oft-cited barrier. The RWC, an alternative paradigm, attempts to break through this barrier by addressing isolation through promoting group camaraderie and accountability, integral to the success of the program. This innovative program provides a unique opportunity to enhance life skills through Whole Health intervention, including: meditation, yoga, music therapy, exercise/dance etc. Specifically, the RWC is a four-week outpatient program, where admission is determined via hospital-wide consults. With a focus on Measurement Based Care, Veterans complete baseline and post-program assessments such as the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) and scales measuring: depression, hopelessness, sleep quality, and diet & nutrition. Data for 9 cohorts to date demonstrate significant improvements, with large treatment effects as evidenced by reduction in PHQ-9 totals and feelings of depression and hopelessness, especially for Veterans with histories of suicide attempts or ideation. Overall, Veterans found the RWC program experience favorable, with > 98% completing. The RWC can be rapidly deployed in the VHA by drawing on existing hospital services and clinics. According to participants, the RWC engages Veterans in building a partnership to pave the way towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Attempted suicide attention at an emergency room: A hospital-based descriptive approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S603-S603
Author(s):  
D. Torres ◽  
G. Martinez-Ales ◽  
M. Quintana ◽  
V. Pastor ◽  
M.F. Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Room ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽  
Study Results ◽  
History Of ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Medium Cost ◽  
Rule Out

IntroductionSuicide causes 1.4% of deaths worldwide. Twenty times more frequent, suicide attempts entail an important source of disability and of psychosocial and medical resources use.ObjectiveTo describe main socio-demographical and psychiatric risk factors of suicide attempters treated in a general hospital's emergency room basis.AimsTo identify individual features potentially useful to improve both emergency treatments and resource investment.MethodsA descriptive study including data from 2894 patients treated in a general hospital's emergency room after a suicidal attempt between years 2006 and 2014.ResultsSixty-nine percent of the population treated after an attempted suicide were women. Mean age was 38 years old. Sixty-six percent had familiar support; 48.5% had previously attempted a suicide (13% did not answer this point); 72.6% showed a personal history of psychiatric illness. Drug use was present in 38.3% of the patients (20.3% did not answer this question); 23.5% were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Medium cost of a psychiatric hospitalization was found to be 4900 euros.ConclusionThis study results agree with previously reported data. Further observational studies are needed in order to bear out these findings, rule out potential confounders and thus infer and quantify causality related to each risk factor.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Alcohol use and bipolar disorder comorbidity: Synthesis and perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S470-S470
Author(s):  
A. Dahdouh ◽  
B. Semaoune ◽  
A. Tremey ◽  
L. Samalin ◽  
V. Flaudias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Clinical Interest ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectiveAlcohol use disorders and bipolar disorder commonly co-occur and both are associated with more pejorative outcomes, thus constituting a major public health problem. We undertook this synthetic review to provide an update on this issue in order to clarify the nature of the relationship between the two disorders, improve clinical outcomes, prevent complications and therefore optimize management of patients.MethodsWe conducted an electronic search by keywords in databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, published in English and French from January1985 to December 2015.ResultsThe AUD prevalence is important among BD patients in whom the effects of alcohol are more severe. However, in terms of screening, it appears that the comorbidity is not systematically sought. The concept of co-occurrence finds its clinical interest in the development of specific screening and therapeutic strategies. To date, there are only few recommendations about the management of dual diagnosis and the majority of them support “integrated” approaches.ConclusionsRecommendations should emphasize this strong co-occurrence and promote systematic screening and offered integrated cares.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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