Title: A study of Correlation between the Level of Suicidal Intent and Mode of Attempt

Authors: Dr Jayaraman S, Dr Asokkumar M, Dr Gandhibabu R

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i10.48

Abstract

Suicide is becoming the leading cause of death in most countries in certain population groups. It is the high time to know the background picture of it. This study was conducted to know in detail about the various modes of suicide attempt in persons admitted in Hospital, and consecutive 90 subjects were assessed by self-innovated proforma. It also assess the level of suicide attempt in these subjects with the becks suicide intent scale. These details can be compared with previous studies to gain knowledge of it and use those in preventive strategies.

Results: Out of 90 subjects 69 (76.7%) attempted by poisoning, 11 (12.2%) by hanging, 8 (8.9%) by tablet overdose and 2 (2.2%) self-inflicted. In poisoning, rat killer and organophosphorus poison by 18 (26.1%) each. Followed by ant killer poison by 10 (14.5%), kerosene by 8(11.6%), oleander seed poison by 6 (8.7%), abrus seed by 4 (5.8%) and 5 (7.2%) by other mode of poisoning. In 90 subjects 42 (46.7%) has low intent, 36 (40.0) has medium and 12 (13.3%) had low intent.

Conclusion: The intent is low in suicide attempt compared to death by suicide, where the intent would be high. Poisoning is the leading mode of attempt with domestically available poisons (rat killer/ant killer/kerosene). The accessibility to these products can be limited to reduce the suicidal behaviors.

Keywords: Suicide attempt, intent, mode of attempt.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Jayaraman S

Postgraduate, Department of Psychiatry, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu