Persons attempting suicide as clients in the Danish welfare system

Summary

Using archives covering a 5-year period (1972–1976), 210 patients admitted to Odense University Hospital in 1976 as a result of attempted suicide were examined retrospectively with regard to attempted suicide, diagnosis, causal factors and pattern of contact with social welfare authorities. The purpose of the investigation was: (1) to ascertain whether persons attempting suicide also seek help at social assistance institutions; (2) to evaluate whether there is a correlation between repeated suicide attempts and frequency of contact with public assistance offices; and (3) if possible, to determine factors typifying groups with a high risk of suicidal behaviour. Prior to hospitalization in 1976, 49% of the patients had already attempted suicide within the 5-year period. No significant difference (P>0.05) was found between first-timers and repeaters with regard to sex, age, diagnosis or precipitating factors. Forty-eight per cent had contacted the social assistance authorities for help, the great majority (82%) having done so repeatedly during the 5-year period. There was no significant difference between clients and non-clients with regard to sex, age, diagnosis or precipitating factors. Repeaters were more frequently clients of the public assistance offices than first-timers and there was a positive correlation between many suicide attempts and repeated applications for help. A group with a high risk of suicidal behaviour could be characterized as those with a continual need for social assistance, particularly financial help, and advice and guidance. The risk was particularly high among clients who attributed their suicide attempt to self-oriented problems (moods).