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  • Title: The relevance of suicidal behaviour in jail and prison suicides.
    Author: Fruehwald S, Frottier P, Matschnig T, Eher R.
    Journal: Eur Psychiatry; 2003 Jun; 18(4):161-5. PubMed ID: 12814848.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Suicide rates in correctional institutions have been increasing during the last decades. There has been little interest in whether suicidal ideation and intent has been documented by non-medical prison staff (reports of attempted suicide, suicide threats, self-harm), and whether these signs of suicidality had the consequence of adequate intervention efforts. METHODS: The personal files of inmates who committed suicide in the 29 Austrian jails and prisons during the last 25 years (1975-1999) were included. We analysed personal characteristics, criminological data, circumstances of custody and information about psychiatric disorders and treatment. RESULTS: Of a total of 250 suicides, 220 personal files were available and included. Suicide attempts were known in 50% of all suicides and 37% had expressed suicidality. In >20%, non-medical staff had documented signs of suicidality, but no further preventive action (e.g. referral to psychiatric care) had taken place. CONCLUSION: Signs of suicidality play an important role in vulnerability profiles for jail and prison suicides and should have the minimal consequence of further psychiatric care.
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