Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients after suicide attempt: a twenty-year retrospective study.

AIM: To determine the frequency and distribution of suicide attempts relating to the manner of execution and other demographic an clinical characteristics, as well as to point to possible risk factors.
METHODS: A retrospective anamnestic study was conducted covering a twenty-year period (1990 to 2010) which included 715 patients (310 males and 405 females), who were hospitalized and treated at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Clinical Center in Kragujevac following a suicide attempt.
RESULTS: The incidence rate of suicide attempts was 19.5 per 100,000 citizens. The number of suicide attempts was found to be greater in females, 405 (56.5%). The greatest number of individuals was younger (25 to 34 years of age), 149 (20.9%) and the average age of the population attempting suicide was 42.6 years. The predominant mental disorder preceding the suicide attempt was depression, 346 (48.4%). The method most frequently used in the attempt was poisoning in both genders, 395 (55.3%) often by benzodiazepine overdose. The greatest number of suicide attempts occurs in spring and summer, 400 (over 50%).
CONCLUSION: An increased number of hospitalizations due to suicide attempts was noted, therefore, special attention should be paid to detection and treatment of depression disorders and patients who have attempted suicide repeatedly.