Suicide among mentally ill ‘could be reduced’

A significant reduction in the annual suicide rate may be achieved by stopping patients from leaving psychiatric wards without approval, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of Manchester claim that up to 50 suicide deaths could be prevented if action is taken.

The study, conducted by the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, noted that the conditions and observation practices in wards significantly impacts whether a person will attempt to leave early or not.

It showed that 13,331 deaths were those of people involved with mental health services up to a year previously, while 14 per cent were receiving psychiatric treatment at the time of their suicide.

However, the report also found that the number of deaths had dropped over the course of the study period from 221 in 1997 to 141 in 2006.

“Our findings have confirmed previous studies that a substantial proportion of in-patient suicide deaths occur after absconding from the ward,” said Dr Isabelle Hunt, who led the research.

According to the researchers, improving conditions in the wards, providing more support and creating an environment that is less intimidating could help in the fight to lower suicide rates.