Study finds rise in suicide among males in mental health care

The number of suicides by men under the care of mental health services in the UK has risen, reports a new study, published by the University of Manchester.

The findings from the 2003 to 2013 National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide (NCISH), showed an overall 29 per cent rise in male suicides since 2006, with a 73 per cent increase in men aged 45 to 54 years.

Director of the NCISH, Professor Louis Appleby said: “Our findings suggest that within mental health care, middle-aged men are particularly at risk. The problem is not simply that they do not seek help – they are already under mental health care, so we have to understand the stresses men in this age group face.

“A number of factors may be behind the increase, including alcohol misuse, isolation, unemployment and debt, which can add to the risk of suicide in male patients and these need to be addressed.”

The report suggested there were 1,876 suicides among males with a mental illness in 2013, with a significant rise among those being treated under ‘Crisis Revolution’ and ‘Home Treatment’ services. Although introduced as an alternative to ‘in-patient’ admission, suicides were three-times greater than the number of deaths occurring in mental health ‘in-patient’ settings in England.

Chief executive of mental health charity Mind, Paul Farmer, said: “This report recognises that investment in mental health services is key. However, historical underfunding for mental health, compounded by cuts over the last few years, mean that services are struggling to cope with the demand.

“Anyone who is in touch with services, asking for help, should not reach the point of taking their own life. NHS mental health services must be able to respond when people reach out, from early treatment to help prevent people becoming more unwell, to an emergency response that can provide urgent care when someone is in crisis."

The importance of mental health services working closely with families to play a greater part in suicide prevention is highlighted in the report.

Speaking on behalf of the study, head of NCISH, Professor Jenny Shaw, said: “Findings suggest that families are an under-used but vital resource to reduce suicide and homicide. Services should work closely with families when preparing plans for hospital discharge and crisis plans. It should also be easier for families and staff to share concerns with each other.”

Paul Farmer added: “There is good work being done as part of the Crisis Care Concordat that will help improve support for people who are suicidal. Every local area now has an action plan that describes in detail how local NHS, police, local authorities and other agencies and services will work together to improve support for people in crisis and many include specific activity around suicide prevention. We need now to see these action plans become a reality and put the right resources behind them to transform the support available.”