A survey of psychiatric services for people who attempt suicide in south India

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Self-harm is a major public health problem in the southern parts of India. This survey was undertaken to assess the nature of psychiatric services available in hospitals attached to medical colleges for those who have attempted suicide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After reviewing the relevant literature, a questionnaire was prepared. We sent this questionnaire to 94 medical colleges in South India. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 50%. Psychiatric assessment of suicide attempters in the casualty department are done by mental health professionals in 23 (66%) hospitals. Psychotropic medications are prescribed for appropriate patients in 33 (94%) hospitals, while talking therapies are available in 31 (89%) hospitals. Six (17%) centers have training sessions for casualty staff in mental health assessment of patients who have attempted suicide. A majority of hospitals have medical students posted in the psychiatry department. CONCLUSIONS: The services available for people who have attempted suicide appear to be patchy in south Indian teaching hospitals. Training of frontline staff in the assessment and management of people who have attempted suicide is extremely important.