New Data Shows High Risk of Repeat Attempts
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe reveals that 19.7% of people treated in hospital for a suicide attempt make another attempt within the following year. The SURVIVE project, involving 1,730 patients across eight Spanish public hospitals, found the risk is highest in the first few months, with half of repeat attempts occurring within five months and a median time to repetition of 140 days. The research, led by Dr Víctor Pérez of Hospital del Mar and the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, underscores the critical need for sustained mental health support after discharge. Among adolescents aged 12 to 17, the repetition rate was 23.2%, while adults aged 18 to 29 saw a 20.3% rate. For those over 65, the observed rate was 7.7%, though the sample size was smaller.
Key Risk Factors Identified
Researchers identified five main factors associated with higher likelihood of repetition: a history of previous suicide attempts, frequent suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-harm, childhood emotional neglect, and high-dose psychotropic medication use. Among those who repeated an attempt, 49.7% had anxiety disorders compared to 43.6% in the non-repeating group, and substance use disorders were present in 24.1% versus 18.7%. The study does not claim causation; for example, higher medication use may reflect more complex conditions rather than cause further crises. The findings aim to improve clinical assessments and tailor post-crisis care.
Strengthening mental healthcare after hospital discharge and maintaining it for at least the first year is essential, says Dr Víctor Pérez, principal investigator of the SURVIVE project.
Catalonia’s Post-Crisis Care Response
Catalonia has implemented the Codi Risc Suïcidi (Suicide Risk Code), a protocol linking emergency services, primary care, and mental health centres to ensure continuity of care. Patients receive preventive follow-up for 12 months, aligning with the period of highest vulnerability identified in the study. The Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, managing Hospital Universitari de Mataró, launched a pioneering programme in April 2023 offering rapid psychological assessment and structured therapy. Over 600 adults have been treated, with over 80% assessed by a specialist within a week and nearly 70% maintaining contact throughout the year. Results from September 2026 show clinical risk assessments drop by more than half after group therapy, with improvements sustained for six months. This does not equate to a 50% reduction in actual suicide attempts, but indicates meaningful psychological improvement.
Mortality Declines for Third Consecutive Year
Provisional data from the Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques show 556 suicide-related deaths among Catalonia residents in 2025, a rate of 7.68 per 100,000 people, a 17% drop from 2022. This marks three consecutive years of decline, coinciding with the 2021–2025 Suicide Prevention Plan, which has driven over 150 actions across health, education, and community sectors. Despite progress, disparities remain: 75% of 2025 deaths were men. Increases have been noted among women aged 40 to 59 and men aged 55 to 74.
The existence of coordinated care pathways like the Codi Risc Suïcidi is a significant step forward, according to the Comitè de Bioètica de Catalunya.
24-Hour Mental Health Support via 061
Since June 2022, the Taula de Salut Mental within 061 Salut Respon has provided round-the-clock mental health support. By June 2026, it had handled 77,024 consultations, including 18,811 in 2025 with suicide risk criteria, averaging 52 per day. The service, staffed by nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists, offers crisis intervention, guidance for families, and coordination with emergency services when needed. Repeated contacts by the same individual mean figures do not represent unique cases, but reflect high demand for accessible care.
Family Support Recognised as Vital
Recovery after a suicide attempt depends not only on clinical care but also on social support. Catalonia’s health department recognises the role of families and carers, with guidance materials and referral pathways available through official mental health resources.
Sources: CatalunyaPress.
