ObjectivesTo describe the repetition of suicidal attempts and the awareness of suicidal behaviour among close people.MethodsFrom 668 attempted suicides presented to National Hospital of Sri Lanka (April to December 2002), 300 were randomly selected and interviewed.ResultsPrevious suicidal attempts were present in 29 (9.7%) among which six have attempted more than twice. Majority (25, 86.2%) were deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) while few were intentional self harm (4, 13.8%). Knowledge of family or close friend who committed suicide was reported by 96 (32%). There were 13 (4.4%) reported suicides in biological family while 46 (15.4%) were close friends and 42 (14%) were neighbours. Among the known persons of DSP, drugs were consumed by 30 (43.5%) and pesticides by 26 (37.7%). Among intentional self harm the commonest method used was fire (11, 45.8%) and hanging/strangulation (07, 29.2%). The time lapse between the index suicidal attempt in the subjects was within 1 year of the suicidal attempt of the family member or friend in 45 (41.3%) of those who reported knowledge of a family member or close friend who committed suicide.ConclusionThe number with past suicidal attempts in our study is 10% which is a contrast to 54% reporting a previous suicide attempt in the WHO/EU multi-centre study on parasuicide. A total of 33% reporting knowledge of a close friend relative or neighbour who attempted suicide may indicate a strong influence of models in suicidal behaviour.

Objectives To describe selected aspects of attempted suicides. Methods From 668 presented with attempted suicides presented to National Hospital of Sri Lanka (April to December 2002), 300 were randomly selected and interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Results All confessed that at the time of the incident they really wanted to die. In 134 (45%) instances no one was present at the time of the incident and 225 (75.5%) made the attempt without prior planning. After the attempt 178 (60.1%) notified a potential helper. Majority (190, 63.8%) had not communicated regarding the intention to harm at any time before the incident. When asked about the chances of death 132 (44.7%) informed that death was probable or certain. Most (268, 90.5%) of the incidents did not have an association with alcohol or drug use. Interpersonal conflicts were the precipitating cause in 230 (76.6%). Conclusion Even though at the time of the event all wanted to die majority had notified after the event. Most have not communicated the need to die at any time before the incident. Most acts were done without prior preparation. Interpersonal conflicts were the commonest precipitating cause.