Clinical and Psychosocial Profile of Patients Attempting Suicide: A Cross- Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background:  Suicide continues to pose a significant challenge to public health systems globally, affecting individuals across all age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. Understanding the clinical and psychosocial background of such individuals is critical to framing targeted interventions. Aim: To study the clinical and psychosocial profile of patients attempting suicide. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the emergency department of tertiary care hospital, 100 consecutive adult patients with history of attempted suicide were recruited. After taking written informed consent, structured questionnaire was used to record sociodemographic and clinical variables. Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)were used to assess psychiatric morbidity and socioeconomic status was assessed by modified BG Prasad scale. Appropriate statistical methods were used. Results: Suicide attempt was more common in males (56%), among 21–30 years (43%), married (62%), unemployed (67%) and middleclass individuals. Most common method was ingestion of poisonous substance (90%), primarily phenol and organophosphate. Seventy eight percent patients had a history of psychiatric illness, 60% had high suicide intent (SIS ≥29), and severe depression, anxiety, and stress were seen in 57%, 58%, and 61%, respectively. Severe psychiatric symptoms indicated by high BPRS score ≥75 was noted in 78% of cases. High suicide intent, severe psychiatric symptoms and severe levels of depression, anxiety and stress was observed more among young, married, unemployed and in individuals. Conclusion: High psychiatric morbidity and suicide intent among young adults calls for urgent mental health evaluation, socioeconomic support, and preventive mental health strategies in emergency settings.

Keywords: Suicide attempt, Clinical profile, Psychosocial factors, SIS, DASS-21, BPRS, Psychiatric morbidity