Research Article
Excessive use of psychiatric services by suicidal patients.
Br Med J 1975; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5977.216 (Published 26 July 1975) Cite this as: Br Med J 1975;3:216
- D J Pallis,
- A M Langley,
- J Birtchnell
Abstract
The use of psychiatric services by patients with a suicidal history was examined to see if they placed a greater long-term burden on these services than other types of patient. Suicidal patients spent significantly more days in hospital and made more outpatient attendances; suicide attemptors in particular not only needed more emergency consultations but also spent more days in hospital. A more economical yet more effective treatment policy for the suicidal patient is needed.