Suicide rates among mentally ill patients have risen across the UK while the number of homicides committed by those with mental health issues have reached the lowest point in a decade, a Manchester University inquiry revealed today.
A shocking 13% surge in suicides from 2010 to 2011 in England was recorded by The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCI).
While suicide rates are worryingly on the rise, homicide by mental health patients had fallen from a peak in 2006 to a low in 2011 with only 33 cases were recorded.
The research has also shown that mentally ill patients are twice as likely to commit suicide under home treatment than while staying in hospital.
Professor Louis Appleby, Director of the National Confidential Inquiry, said: “The increase in suicide among mental health patients is in line with an increase in the general population and is mostly likely due to the current economic circumstances.
“Although these are only early indicators, it would suggest services should try to address the economic difficulties of patients who might be at risk of suicide.
“Ensuring patients receive advice on debts, housing and employment could make a difference, while improvements in home treatment should now become a priority for suicide prevention.”
The inquiry also highlighted falls in the number of homicides committed by schizophrenics and by people suffering mental health problems without treatment at the time of offence between 2010 and 2011.
Professor Appleby said: “It is welcome news that patient homicides are falling and reflects well on the safety measures taken by mental health staff.
“These are early trends and the precise causes are unknown but they may reflect better care for ‘dual diagnosis’ patients, those with both mental illness and alcohol or drug misuse.”
Picture courtesy of sonofabike, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
