The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness

Monday 16^th June 2008 saw the publication of the second 5 year report on Scottish data gathered by the UK Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness. The 'Lessons for Mental Health Care in Scotland' report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and examines all suicides and homicides in the general population in Scotland, as well as those by people who had sought help from mental health services.

The NCISH has compared the findings for Scotland to the report on homicide and suicide for England and Wales, published in 2006, and has made a number of recommendations for clinical care. The report shows that there is a substantially higher rate of homicides and suicides in Scotland as compared with England and Wales. This, according to the report, can be largely attributed to high levels of alcohol and drug misuse, both in the general population and among people with mental health problems.

The full report, summary and press release can be viewed by clicking the following link: NCISH Report 2008