Characteristics of suicide attempts seen in emergency service

• Published in: European psychiatry 2023-03, Vol.66 (S1), p.S865-S865
• Main Authors: Ouali, R, Masmoudi, R, Guermazi, F, Mellouli, A, Chakroun, O, Sellami, R, Derbel, E, Feki, I, Masmoudi, J, Rekik, N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstract; e-Poster Viewing; Emergency medical care; Suicides & suicide attempts
• ISSN: 0924-9338; 1778-3585
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.1832

IntroductionThe suicidal phenomenon constitutes a real public health problem not only by the human losses it causes, but also by the psychological and social problems to which it testifies.ObjectivesThe objective was to describe suicide attempts in patients hospitalized in the emergency room.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with patients admitted to vital emergencies for attempted suicide over a period of 6 months.We excluded Patients with major cognitive impairment, which prevents understanding of the questionnaireA data collection sheet was used for the evaluation of the suicide attempts.ResultsOur sample consisted of 101 suicide attempts. Using non-physical methods (drugs, caustics, pesticides, gases) was reported in 91.9% of cases and while physical methods (hanging, phlebotomy, drowning) in 8.9% of cases. Self-poisoning by medications was the most frequent (51%) method used in suicide attempt. The majority of suicide attempts were reactive (77.2%). Family or marital conflicts were the precipitating factor most mentioned (74%). The suicidal act was unpremeditated in 66% of cases. Communication of suicidal intent either verbally or in writing was reported in 34.7% of cases. The passage to the suicidal act was preceded by taking alcohol in 7% of cases and cannabis in 3% of cases. In 44.6% of cases, regret was the attitude most adopted by suicide attempters towards the act. The somatic state on admission was unstable on the cardiac level in 23% of the cases, on the respiratory level in 27% of the cases and on the neurological level in 38% of the casesConclusionsThe data from our study suggest that suicidal attempts were mostly unpremeditated. Clinicians should not minimize the significance of impulsive attempts, as they are associated with a similar level of lethality as premeditated attemptsDisclosure of InterestNone Declared