CAN POSTDISCHARGE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS OF NONPSYCHOTIC INPATIENTS BE PREDICTED

Predicting risk of suicidality is generally difficult. We studied whet her it is possible to predict postdischarge suicide attempts of nonpsy chotic inpatients (n = 42) on the basis of the Hamilton Depression Rat ing Scale (HDRS) scored during the inpatient period. Twelve patients ( 29%) attempted suicide during a 3-year follow-up period. Total HDRS sc ores during the inpatient period did not predict suicide attempts. The re were no differences in changes of total HDRS score during the first half of the inpatient period, but an unchanged total HDRS score durin g the second half of the inpatient period was associated with postdisc harge suicide attempts. Predicting lack of suicidality succeeded well (83%) on the basis of HDRS item three on discharge. Two-thirds (63%) o f those who attempted suicide during follow-up were assessed as suicid al on discharge. A structured clinical assessment like HDRS item three is reliable in predicting lack of suicidality and fairly good also in predicting suicidality.