Self-destructive behavior in hospitalized medical and surgical patients.
This article reviews the literature and presents data from the Psychiatric Consultation Service of the Medical University of South Carolina on self-destructive behavior in hospitalized medical and surgical patients. Fatal suicide attempts are rare and usually occur in patients with severe, painful chronic illnesses, psychosis, or dementia. Less overt forms of self-destructive behavior include refusal of medical treatment and uncooperative behavior.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006773:Hospitals, Municipal; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013405:Suicide / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology