[Spinal cord injury due to suicide attempt, psychiatric profile and functional disability].

INTRODUCTION

Studies published in other countries indicate that 1.6-3% of spinal cord injuries are acquired due to suicide attempt, the majority being produced by precipitation in patients with previous psychiatric disorders.

AIMS

To determine the frequency of attempted suicide as a cause of spinal cord injuries in a neurorehabilitation hospital and to describe the characteristics of these patients in psychiatric terms and functional disability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study in which all patients with spinal cord injuries due to suicide attempt in a period of 15 years in a neurorehabilitation hospital were reviewed.

RESULTS

Suicide attempt caused 2% (n = 61) of spinal cord injuries in our population. Although 93% of the patients were diagnosed with psychiatric pathology, 60% were linked to mental health facilities and only three consulted for emergency the days before the precipitation. Six attempts were made in the context of psychiatric services and 26% of patients had made previous attempts. The most frequent medical diagnosis was paraplegia associated with fractures in the lower extremities and chest trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

Precipitation due to suicide attempt causes 2% of spinal cord injuries, with depression and psychotic disorders being the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. After the rehabilitation period, this population requires special attention from the mental health teams since they combine risk factors to commit suicide such as the history of previous attempts and the presence of a chronic disabling condition.