The Iowa record-linkage study. I. Suicides and accidental deaths among psychiatric patients.

In a prospective investigation of 5,412 formerly hospitalized psychiatric patients, 68 committed suicide and 38 died from accidental causes. Both figures are significantly in excess of expectations based on a relevant control population. Those at significant risk included men and women of all ages, except those older than 69 years. Comparison of standardized mortality ratios suggests relatively greater risk for women and young persons. Risk for suicide was significant for patients of both sexes with acute schizophrenia, schizophrenia, affective disorders, and alcohol and other drug abuse, for men with neuroses, and for women with depressive neuroses. Risk for accidental death was greatest for those aged from 30 to 49 years and for those with personality disorders.