A study of suicide in patients in a tertiary psychiatric center

2^nd International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology

October 07-09, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

C. R. J. Khess

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

Introduction: Suicide is an important public health concern. There is a strong association between mental disorders and suicide. Methods: The aim of the study was to indentify risk factors associated with suicide in psychiatric inpatients and identify interventions that can prevent such occurrences. This study was conducted at Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. The method of psychological autopsy was adopted for this study. Results: 9 suicides occurred during 2000-2013, which accounted for 0.02% of admissions. The mean age of patients was 23.89±5.69 years. 88.9% patients were males. 77.8% belonged to a lower socioeconomic status. 22.2% patients were illiterate and 44.4% were educated till middle school (elementary education). 66.7% patients were single and 22.2% were unemployed. All patients were Hindu by religion. 55.6% patients had a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, 11.1% Depressive disorder, 11.1% other psychotic disorder and 22.2% schizophrenia. 11.1% patient had a co-morbid diagnosis of substance used disorder. 44.4% patients had family history of psychiatric disorder and 11.1% had a family history of suicide. 66.7% patients had a past history of suicidal attempt. In the past week before suicide psychotic symptoms were present in 100% cases thought disorder in 88.9% perceptual disorder in 55.6%. Mood was elevated in 55.6% and depressed in 44.4%. Suicidal ideation was resent in 22.2% cases. There was no improvement in psychopathology in 77.8% cases. The method adopted by 77.8% was hanging. The time of suicide was mostly evening (in 55.6%) followed by morning (in 22.2%). Conclusions: Socio-demographics features and psychopathology both predict suicide risk.

Biography :

C. R. J. Khess is a consultant of an adult male psychiatry unit and centre for addiction psychiatry. He takes specified number of lectures and chairs various academic programs including conferences, seminars and journal clubs. He also guides various PG, MD and M.Phil students for their work and thesis and is also an examiner for University examinations.