Bickley et al, 2013

Suicide risk is greatly increased in the first few weeks of discharge from psychiatric in-patient care. The aim of this case control study was to identify risk and protective factors for suicide among patients in a two-week post discharge period.

Of the 100 patients who died by suicide within two weeks of discharge from psychiatric in-patient care, 55% of suicide deaths occurred in the first week of discharge, with nearly half occurring before the first follow-up appointment.

Risk factors included a short admission, recent adverse life events, older age, and psychiatric comorbidity. Enhanced aftercare was a protective factor.

It is important to carefully plan discharges for patients viewed as high risk. Mental health clinicians need to be aware of the social circumstances’ patients are facing after hospital discharge and recognise the first week post-discharge as a period of high risk.

Read the full paper:

• Suicide within 2 weeks of discharge from psychiatric in-patient care: A case-control study (Psychiatric Services)

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