Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Service Suicide Applications in a Tertiary Psychiatric Clinic in Türkiye

COVID-19 and Suicidality

Authors

  • Buket Koparal Department of Psychiatry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Mehmet Ünler Clinic of Psychiatry, Gaziantep Deva Hospital, Gaziantep, Türkiye
  • Hande Gazey Department of Psychiatry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Berfu Ünal Clinic of Psychiatry, Sincan Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Hatice Cansu Selvi Department of Psychiatry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Selçuk Candansayar Department of Psychiatry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

Keywords:

COVID-19, pandemic, suicidal attempt, suicidal ideation, depression, emergency service

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is a significant public health concern globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies reported an increase in suicidal thoughts/attempts. The widespread negative impacts of the pandemic such as economic downturn, isolation and quarantine, and health concerns have contributed to the complex interaction of factors influencing suicidal behaviors. There are limited studies in our country evaluating the relationship between the pandemic and suicide. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals with suicidal thoughts/attempts who applied to the emergency department during the pandemic with the pre-pandemic period.

Method: This study is a descriptive cohort study that retrospectively evaluated data of patients between 2018 and 2022. The period from March 2020 to March 2022 was defined as the "pandemic period," while the period from March 2018 to March 2020 was labeled as the "pre-pandemic period." While 185 patients applied to the emergency department due to suicidal thoughts/attempts in the pre-pandemic period, the number of cases consulted during the pandemic were 150.

Results: During the COVID-19 period, 21% of patients were evaluated due to suicidal thoughts/attempts. In the pre-pandemic period, this rate was approximately 20%. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, suicide method, or lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. The proportion of males presenting with suicidal thoughts/attempts during the COVID-19 period was significantly higher.

Conclusions: Situations like pandemics can create societal trauma leading to an increase in mental disorders and associated suicide rates. Gender roles, such as men being more inclined to hide their complaints, and feeling more economically responsible may have increased the rates of suicidal thoughts/attempts during the pandemic. The mental, physical, and social impacts of the pandemic should be assessed in this context, and necessary precautions and interventions should be planned.

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Published

09.01.2025

Issue

Section

Original Research