Attempted suicide in Christchurch: three-year follow-up of 195 patients.

Of 195 consecutive patients who had been admitted to hospital for suicide attempt, five died later from a further attempt, and 144 were available for a three-year follow-up study. Twenty-nine patients made subsequent suicide attempts. On discharge from hospital psychiatric treatment was carried out and completed in 40.3 percent, partially completed in 11.1 percent and 18.8 percent did not complete treatment. On a self-rating basis, 8 percent thought they were worse, 32 percent unchanged and 42 percent were improved. There were extensive interpersonal disturbances and a high percentage of patients had changed relationships in the follow-up period. The high persistence of suicidal activity in these patients is discussed.