SUICIDALITY IN HEALTS CRISIS-CASE REPORTS

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide represent a major health problem of great importance for public health in Serbia. In the whole world in last decades, the number of committed suicides is constantly increasing. The most dramatic increase is the number of committed suicides among adolescents, but also among the elderly, over 65 years of age. Serbia ranks 13th in Europe in terms of the number of suicide(13.6/100.000 inhabitants) and Vojvodina is at the top place as  region in Serbia (15.3/100.000 inhabitants). It is alarming that suicide attempts are 10-15 times more frequent, as well as that a large number of people who have committed suicide in the last month have reported in medical institutions with various problems. Situations and conditions that increase suicide risk are mental disorders and chronic physical illness, as well as life crises, which include pandemic. Also of great importance is  positive heredity, as well as previous suicide attempts. Usually, during crisis, number of suicide attempts and committed suicides decline, but after crisis there is lot of evidence that symptoms of anxious and depressive disorders increase and number of suicide attempts and committed suicides is growing up.

Cases reports: In presented case reports the “trigger” for a suicide attempt was the current situation during the covid-19 epidemic. One of the leading reasons for the increase in  number of attempted and committed suicides is the unrecognition and lack of treatment  of mental disorder symptoms. Most frequently symptoms of depression and severe anxiety result in a suicide attempt. Early recognition and treatment either with psycho and/or  pharmacotherapy in a significant percentage can reduce the number of attempted and committed suicides.

Conclusion: In currently pandemic and in next period, it is necessary for medical staff to look after  various, but mostly depressive and anxious symptoms in patients, that frequently result in suicide attempt, if stay  unrecognized and untreated. That is the best way to prevent suicide and to improve mental health, as it is very important for  national interests.