The wessex recent in-patient suicide study, I - Case-control study of 234 recently discharged psychiatric patient suicides

Background Psychiatric patients have a higher suicide risk following hospit al discharge. Aims To identify social, clinical and health-care delivery factors in recen tly discharged patients. Method Retrospective case-control study of 234 patients who died within I y ear of hospital discharge, matched for age, gender, diagnosis and admission period with 431 controls. Odds ratios for identified risk factors were cal culated using conditional multiple logistic regression. Results Independent increased-risk factors were: not being White; living al one; history of deliberate self-harm (DSH); suicidal ideation precipitating admission; hopelessness; admission under different consultant; onset of re lationship difficulties; loss of job; in-patient DSH; unplanned discharge; significant care professional leaving/on leave. Reduced-risk factors were: shared accommodation: delusions at admission; misuse of non-prescribed subs tances: and continuity of contact. Conclusions Continuity of contact may reduce suicide risk. Discontinuity of care from a significant professional is associated with increased risk of suicide. Declaration of interest This study was funded by the NHS South & West Resea rch and Development Directorate.