Inpatient suicide and weekend leave - An underestimated risk factor

Author(s): Bullinger, A., Oesterreich, C., Finzen, A.

Journal/Book: Psychiat Prax. 1998; 25: P O Box 30 11 20, D-70451 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 196-197.

Abstract: The study aims at differentiating qualitative and quantitative aspects of inpatient suicide on weekdays and during the weekend. Method: 51 consecutive suicides in a large psychiatric hospital were analysed retrospectively. Results: 14 of 51 suicides occurred during weekend leave, most of them on a Saturday or Sunday. The rate of suicides in the hospital on a Saturday or Sunday is extremely low. Conclusion: Weekend leave from inpatient treatment must be considered as a risk factor of its own.

Note: Article HoffmannRichter U, Univ Basel, Psychiat Klin, Wilhelm Klein Str 27, CH-4025 Basel, SWITZERLAND

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