Attempted suicide in Denmark. IV. A five-year follow-up

From October 1, 1980 to April 20, 1981, 207 patients were admitted to the Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, after attempting suicide. Information on physical, mental and social conditions was collected. The patients were then followed for 5 years, to register subsequent suicidal behaviour and to try to identify relevant factors for evaluation of future suicide risk. During the follow-up period 11.6% of the attempters committed suicide, the majority within the first year after the index attempt. Seventy-five percent of the suicides were committed less than 6 months after the last contact with the psychiatric ward. Predictors for future suicide were chronic somatic disease, depression, abuse of medicine, and chronic alcohol abuse. The authors emphasize the need for a thorough medical evaluation of patients attempting suicide, to be able to identify and eventually treat these conditions.

Public approval of suicide: a situational analysis

Using four national surveys conducted in 1977, 1978, 1982, and 1983, this study examined public opinions on suicide in four situations: incurable disease, bankruptcy, family dishonor, and being tired of living. The results indicated that suicide in case of incurable disease was approved by slightly less than 43%, being tired of living by about 13%, and the other two situations by 7%. It was found that respondents with attributes of higher education, lower religiosity, and higher commitment to freedom of expression were more likely to consider suicide as acceptable. Future implications for research suggest not only an assessment of attitudes toward suicide in different situational contexts, but also assessment of individual intentions for the situations considered in this study.