Article Title: A Preliminary Study Of Suicide Attempters Presented At Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad
Author(s): Syed Jamil Hussain, Moin Ahmed Ansari, Raza-ur-Rahman, Aisha Nighat, Beenish Shoro, Gulnaz Shaikh
Institute(s): LUMHS & CJIP, Hyderabad, Department of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
Journal: Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, 2009, Vol. 6, No. 1, p. 17-20
Correspondence Address: sjamilhussain@yahoo.com
Abstract
Objective: To identify the association of gender, age, and level of education; on mode of suicidal attempt and presence of guilt; among survivors of suicidal attempt.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place & duration of study: The study was carried out in Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, from July to December 2008.
Subjects & Method: All 82 referred cases, that were referred for evaluation after recovering from suicidal attempt at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, were screened for psychiatric disorder by administering General Health Questionnaire. Required psycho-social variables and diagnoses were recorded on a semi-structured proforma.
Results: A total of 82 cases with 58(70.73%) males and 24(29.26%) females, with a male: female ratio of 2: 1, were evaluated in this study. All were within 40 years of age, mostly less than 30. 50(61%) were singles and 32(39%), married. Males selected more violent method (drowning & hanging) while selfpoisoning was the most common method used by females. Family problems seem to be the most common precipitants leading to suicidal attempt (28 cases), both in males and females. Previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders were present among one third of patients. Majority of patients (80%) did not have guilt about their act mainly males and the people belonging to younger age group (less than 30).
Conclusion: This is a preliminary study on the topic. Suicide still is an under-reported and underresearched area in Pakistan. Two major areas need special attention in our scenario; one, Family conflicts and in-appropriately treated psychiatric disorders are found to be the main precipitants; and the other one is absence of guilt over suicidal attempt, particularly among younger population.
Key words: Suicide Attempters, Deliberate Self Harm, Family, Psychiatric Disorder, Guilt, Psycho-social Stressor.
