Suiciders, attempted suiciders and repeated attempted suiciders

Aim: to compare epidemiological data on suiciders, attempted suiciders and repeated attempted suiciders. Methods: we collected data on suicides and attempted suicides from 2001 to 2005 for the Karlovac-attachement region (population of 100000). Data were collected from the only hospital in the region and from the medical examiner's office. Summary of results: Men committed suicide more often (76% of all suiciders) then women. But, only 22% of men committed suicide contacted a psychiatrist previously, and 67% of women. Hanging is the most frequently used method of suicide in both sexes, and psychotic disorders were diagnosed in the majority of suiciders who contacted a psychiatrist. Among attempted suiciders, women are predominant (59%), and half of them were diagnosed as having some psychiatric disorder (most often an acute stress disorder). Men were diagnosed as having a disorder in 75% of cases, most often alcohol related disorders. Intoxication with medication was the most frequently used method. 63% of repeated suicide attempters were women. Patients of both sexes were diagnosed as having a personality disorder in half the cases. Brief conclusion: there are many epidemiological differences between suiciders, attempted suiciders and repeated suicide attempters. Language: en