Suicidal behavior in psychiatric emergency room patients

Background, Psychiatric emergency room (ER) patients are thought to be at i ncreased risk of suicide. The prevalence and characteristics of suicidal be havior in a recent sample of patients who came to the ER for psychiatric ev aluation were examined, Methods. Charts of 311 consecutive psychiatric ER patients were reviewed. S uicidal behavior was considered present if current suicidal ideation or att empts within 24 hours of or during the emergency evaluation were noted in t he chart. Results. Suicidal behavior was present in 38% of the psychiatric ER patient s, Younger age, white race, affective disorders in female patients, and sub stance abuse disorders in male patients were features of the suicidal group . Sex of the patient was not associated with suicidal behavior. Conclusions. Suicidal behavior is prevalent in the psychiatric ER. Effectiv e suicide prevention in this setting will hinge on finding more specific ri sk factors.