A Two-Year Follow-up of Suicide Prevention Center Patients*

ABSTRACT: A random sample of Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center patients was selected for follow-up about two years after their prior contact with the Center. Of 417 patients sought, 184 were located and interviewed at follow-up. Sixteen had died and nine had committed suicide. The deaths were studied in depth by interviewing survivors (by means of a psychological autopsy). Results of the psychological autopsies uncovered two apparent suicides who had been certified as natural deaths (included in the total of nine). Interviews with the 184 follow-ups yielded longitudinal information about the onset, duration, and recurrence of suicidal states.