[Suicides of Psychiatric Inpatients - A Systematic Recording in Switzerland of the Years 2000 to 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze characteristics of suicide methods of psychiatric inpatients that were carried out within and outside of psychiatric hospitals in order to identify adequate suicide prevention measures.

METHODS: Data of 436 inpatient suicides were included in the data base of all institutes of forensic medicine in Switzerland for the years 2000 - 2010. We compared details of suicide methods that were applied within and outside psychiatric hospitals.

RESULTS: About two thirds of all suicides were carried out outside psychiatric hospitals. Inpatients most often used jumping in front of a train, jumps from heights and drowning outside of the hospital. Within psychiatric care units patients most often died by hanging, jumps from height and self-poisoning. Heights of fall were significantly lower in suicides carried out within the hospital (Median 9 versus 22 m). In psychiatric hospitals incomplete hanging was found in 75.6 %. Waist belts were the tools most often employed.

CONCLUSIONS: Windows and other spots in inpatient units should be secured if higher than first storey respectively 4 meters. Suspension points have to be secured at a low level especially in non-public rooms.