EXCESS MORTALITY AMONG FORMER ADOLESCENT MALE OUT-PATIENTS

Mortality among 156 males and 122 females referred to an out-patient a dolescent psychiatric clinic in a Finnish town between 1984 and 1989 w as examined. During the follow-up (mean duration 6 years ranee 0-6.3 y ears Cor the deceased, 0.6-10.3 years for the survivors), 16 male subj ects but no females had died. Among those who had died, the mode of de ath was suicide in 11 cases. The mortally for any cause for males was 10.3% and thai for suicide was 7.1%. All male victims had similar high levels of individual and familial disturbances, Current suicidal idea tion and suicide attempts, poor psychosocial functioning and a recomme ndation for psychiatric hospital treatment during the index treatment wen associated with male mortality/suicidality. A high risk for mortal ity for several years after psychiatric treatment was found. It is con cluded that, in clinical settings, perceived current suicidal tendenci es should be assessed carefully.