Suicide in a single health district: Epidemiology, and involvement of psychiatric services

Abstract

This study derives suicide statistics for Leicestershire for the 6—year period 1988–1993, and explores risk factors for those with current and previous psychiatric contacts. The Leicestershire Mortality Statistics were scrutinised for possible suicides. Verdicts were reviewed, with consideration of further information when available, and coded as 'definite suicide', 'probable suicide', 'suicide unlikely' and 'definitely not suicide'. For those coded as definite or probable suicide, psychiatric records were examined further. Deaths were coded as definite suicide in 420 cases and probable suicide in a further 46 cases, of these: 347 were males, and 119 were females; 160 had a history of current and previous psychiatric care; and 46 had contact with psychiatric services within 1 week of death, a further 24 within 4 weeks and 23 within the previous 3 months. For the purposes of research and audit, identification of suicides should not rely solely on coroners' verdicts; a wider definition based upon the probable explanation of death may be more appropriate. There were a variety of factors identified in the records of suicides with psychiatric contacts indicating high risk. Improved service provision and practices may have a preventative role.