Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim This study aimed to evaluate outpatient psychiatric follow-up among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a suicide attempt (SA) and to identify factors associated with follow-up adherence and recurrence. Methods This retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years who presented to the ED of a tertiary hospital with SA between May 2023 and May 2024. Data were obtained from hospital records and telephone follow-up. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, psychiatric consultations, and follow-up adherence were analyzed. Results A total of 329 patients were included. Psychiatric consultation was not performed in 49.2% of cases. Outpatient follow-up was recommended for 36.8% of patients, of whom 49.6% did not attend any follow-up visits. Previous psychiatric diagnosis, prior SA, and receiving a psychiatric diagnosis during ED evaluation were significantly associated with follow-up adherence (p<0.05). Fourteen patients (4.3%) had a recurrent SA within one year. Previous SA was the only significant predictor of recurrence (OR = 1.643, p = 0.017). Medication overdose was the most common method, while high-lethality methods were more frequent in recurrent cases. Conclusions A substantial proportion of patients presenting with SA do not receive psychiatric consultation or adhere to follow-up recommendations. Previous SA is the strongest predictor of recurrence. Improving psychiatric assessment in the ED and strengthening continuity of care may enhance follow-up adherence and contribute to suicide prevention.
DOI: 10.4328/acam.50155
Authors: Gökçe Kavak Sinanoğlu, Veysel Doğan
Institution: Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204200345