Appleby et al identified risk factors for suicide of a patient following discharge from psychiatric inpatient care. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester University, and the University of Wales.
Patient selection: status post discharge from psychiatric inpatient care
Outcome: suicide
Risk factors for suicide:
(1) decrease in care at last appointment (reduced appointment frequency, reduced drug dose, less supervised location)
(2) history of self-harm
(3) suicidal thoughts during aftercare
(4) recent admission for inpatient care as the first episode for mental illness
Factors reducing the risk for suicide:
(1) increase in care
Just because a patient appears to be well does not mean that the patient is low-risk.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
