Adaptation of patients hospitalized in childhood and adolescence after a suicide attempt

Anonymous catamnestic questionnaire, focused on psychosocial adaptation and psychopathological symptoms including suicide behaviour was sent to 77 patients hospitalized in 2004-2005 after a suicide attempt. Return of the questionnaire was 29%, precisely 38% of those within reach. 23% of the sample are unemployed. 68% have sometimes wished to be dead or to hurt themselves, 36% have made suicide plans, 18% repeated suicide attempt, one respondent repeatedly. In 41% self-harm occurred, 36% have taken drugs in the course of last year. 27% drink alcohol more than once a week and 73% smoke cigarettes. Even though a psychiatric follow-up had been recommended to every patient discharged from the clinic, only a minority of them (36%) underwent it. To conclude, the reported problems indicate a persistent suicide risk.