Suicides among patients with mental disorders - case studies

Introduction. Suicides around the world are a major public health problem. They are the most serious causes of death among patients with mental disorders. In many European countries, national programs and strategies for suicide prevention were developed. The progress of civilisation, changes in political and economic life, a too fast pace of life negatively affect human, causing the liberation of self-destructive behaviours. Aim. The aim of this study, which was based on medical records, was to analyse the course of psychiatric disorders, that ended with suicide. Material and methods. Descriptions of the course of mental disorders which ended with suicide and self-harm codes according to ICD-10 in randomly selected patients have been presented. 1. A 68 year old patient with schizophrenia - the intending self-harm by hanging (X70); 2. A 46 years old patient with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder - the intentional self-harm by drug poisoning (X61); 3. A 51 years old patient with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder - suicide death under the wheels of the train (X81). Conclusions. Risk of suicide in mental disorders requires the implementation conduct standards in a suicide crisis. In each case, it is necessary to assess the risk on the basis of the identification of suicide risk factors. Evaluation of risk factors is the basis of therapeutic action and determines how to support patients with a risk of suicidal death. Despite advances in the treatment of mental disorders, in some cases, there is still limited effectiveness of suicide preventio.