Suicide thoughts and attempts and psychiatric treatment utilization: informing prevention strategies.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of nonreceipt of specialty psychiatric treatment among those who experienced suicidal thoughts or who attempted suicide.

Methods

Data were from the 2008-2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and included responses from adults 18 years and older who answered mental health and suicide-related questions (N=75,690).

Results

Overall, 3.7% of the respondents experienced suicidal thoughts and .5% attempted suicide. Lack of psychiatric treatment was common among these individuals. Men, 18- to 25-year-olds, persons without insurance, and racial-ethnic groups other than white non-Hispanics were least likely to receive treatment.

Conclusions

Prevention and treatment efforts have targeted seekers

SUBMITTER: Ahmedani BK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3281500 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature