Attempted Suicide and Suicide in Functional Psychoses

A total of 2,243 first admissions to Gaustad Hospital between 1938 and 1961 diagnosed as functional psychotics were either followed up to the time of their death within 5 years, or observed over a period of 5 years, and then reexamined. Of these patients, 325 had attempted suicide prior to their admission. The frequency of attempted suicide was equal in both sexes. Men appeared to use more dangerous methods, and to have more serious intentions. The psychosis appears to have been of importance when considering whether, but not how the suicide should be attempted. The greatest risk of attempted suicide was to be found amongst patients with psychoses of a depressive nature. Twenty-eight of the 2,243 patients in this study committed suicide within 5 years following their discharge, and a further 20 took their own lives prior to the reexamination. A certain connection can be seen between attempted suicide and psychotic symptoms.