Attitudes to patients who attempt suicide.

A survey of attitudes towards persons who attempt suicide is described. A considerable degree of non-sympathy was reported, particularly by those hospital-based staff members who have initial contact with these patients, not only for personal attitude, but also for professional attitude. Although behaviour in the clinical situation cannot necessarily be assumed on the basis of expressed attitudes, these results give grounds for concern, as there are suggestions in the literature that further suicidal behaviour may be precipitated in such patients if they perceive rejection by therapists.