Life Events,Gender and Suicidal Behaviours in the Acute Community Setting

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to examine gender differences in relation to negative life events and suicidal behaviours in patients presenting to an acute community mental health team in Auckland, New Zealand.

Method: Clinical files of all patients referred to one of the Auckland community crisis teams in 2007 were surveyed (n = 442). Those presenting with suicidal behaviours were included in the study (‘suicidal behaviours’ refers to the presence of suicidal ideas or suicide attempts). Demographic information and reasons for presentation were collected from the file.

Results: Seventy patients aged 18–65 years met the inclusion criteria. For 86% of women and 85% of men separation from their partners and relationship conflicts were the main stressors precipitating suicidal behaviours and referral to the local community crisis team. Suicidal behaviours did not differ between males and females.

Conclusion: Irrespective of gender, relationship loss and conflicts were the most commonly identified negative life events precipitating suicidal behaviours in the acute community setting. These findings can have important implications in risk assessment, suicide prevention and provision of acute community services.