OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to determine whether people who
committed suicide within 4 weeks after having made contact with a health
care professional communicated their intent to commit suicide during that
final contact. METHOD: Using data from a nationwide psychological autopsy
study of all suicides in Finland that occurred in 1 year, the authors
examined the 571 cases of suicide victims whose last appointment with a
health care professional took place up to 28 days before suicide, including
100 cases of victims who had appointments on the day of suicide. RESULTS:
Suicide intent was reportedly discussed in only 22% of the cases; it was
particularly uncommon in general practice and nonpsychiatric specialist
settings. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients who commit suicide do not
seem to communicate their intent to do so during their last
appointment.
Abstract Teaser