On Suicide in a South African General Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Few studies have reported specifically on suicide in general hospital psychiatric inpatient units. Results of a study over a 10-year period of nine patients who committed suicide while being treated in such a unit are presented. Total admissions during the study period were 6 961 giving an average suicide rate of 1,4 suicides per 1 000 admissions. More males committed suicide than females. Most patients were unemployed with a history of parasuicide and psychiatric hospitalization. Psychiatric diagnoses of schizophrenia, affective disorder, and alcohol dependence predominated. Jumping from high-rise buildings near the hospital was the most common suicide method. Ward milieu and staff changes may have influenced suicide rates and the results are discussed in terms of psychological aspects with reference to system theory.