Changes in self-harm ideation and self-rated health in depressive patients during hospitalization

Abstract

Background: Suicide is one of the main interdisciplinary problems challenging mental care providers, including health psychologists. Suicide ideation is common among inpatients with depression, undergoing medical treatment. The aim of current investigation was to reveal changes in suicidal ideation and self-rated health during hospitalization Methods: The investigation was conducted in psychiatric department of Kaunas hospital, approved by local ethical committee. The semi-structured clinical interview included 3 questions on suicidal ideation over the past two weeks and was used twice with 28 males and 99 females, diagnosed with depression (ICD-10; F32-F33). Additional to interview 23 written items SRH scale (Cr.α-0.8) was used. Mean age of patients was 47.8±12.9 years. Contingency tables and were calculated, level of statistical significance p<0.05. Findings: Initially 85.7 % of males and 84.8 % females reported about having suicidal thoughts, 46.4 % and 66.7% – intentions and 46.4% and 45.5% indicated attempts. At discharge 46.4% of males and 64.6% females reported thoughts about suicide, none confirmed having suicide intentions or attempts over past two weeks being in hospital. Self-rated health indicators increased substantially on discharge p<0.0001. Discussion: These findings emphasize that psychiatric treatment during the hospitalization positively contributes to increase in SRH and reduces suicide risk. However incomplete recovery from suicidal ideation points to the need of improving interdisciplinary approach and increased involvement of health psychologists and psychological interventions.