Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of attempted suicide

Background: Attempted suicides have been used for research into the causes and motives of suicide on the assumption that they are failed cases of suicide. By interpreting the attempt being the “cry for help,” timely intervention can save many valuable lives. Material and methods: Hundred consecutive cases of attempted suicide admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital were studied by interviewing them during their hospital stay. Results: Males slightly outnumber females. Subjects were mostly below 30 years. Organophosphorus compounds were most commonly used means. Second common agent was oleander seeds. About 70% had secondary or higher education. About one fourth were unemployed and more than one fifth were students. Psychological reason was the commonest reason reported by both men and women. Financial reason was observed to play a significant part especially in men. Among students about half were due to academic reason. Twenty three subjects with chronic or painful physical illness were encountered, among them epilepsy outnumbered others. Forty three cases were psychiatrically ill of which commonest diagnosis was depressive disorder. Psychiatric patients and males took more violent method. Thirty seven percent were clear in their intent of “wanting to die,” 35% were serious in nature and in 94% this was first attempt. Conclusion: The differences in the profile of the suicidal attempters and the causation of the suicidal attempt in our country in comparison with what has been reported in Western literature are highlighted. The implications of the findings were examined in detail.