Psychosocial and Clinical Profiles of the Cases Visiting the Emergency Department Due to Accidental Self-harm and Suicide Attempts in Doha, Qatar: A Retrospective Study

Community Ment Health J. 2021 Feb;57(2):315-324. doi: 10.1007/s10597-020-00650-3. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to retrospectively assess the profiles of subjects with suicide attempts and self-harm in Doha, Qatar; and whether the available data were complete. We reviewed all the records of fatal and non-fatal suicides together with accidental self-ham cases seen in the major Emergency Department in Doha, over a one-year period. There was 37 completed suicide, mostly male expatriates in mid 30 s who died by hanging. In cases with suicide intent (N = 270), more males were admitted to Psychiatry than women. Overdose was the common method and the majority had mood disorders. In self-harm cases with no suicide intent (N = 150) the majority were not seen by Psychiatry. The profiles of suicide cases in Qatar are similar to those reported internationally. However, there is a major need to establish a comprehensive system to register and assess all self-harm patients in Qatar.

Keywords: Accidental self-harm; Emergency department; Parasuicide; Qatar; Suicide attempt.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Qatar / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self-Injurious Behavior* / epidemiology
  • Suicide, Attempted*