Does Deinstitutionalization Increase Suicide?

This study found that the reduced supply of public psychiatric beds increased suicide rates.  The study found no evidence that non-profit or for-profit bed supply compensated for public bed losses; however, greater community mental health spending lessened the effects.  The authors conclude that continued reductions in public mental health beds will increase suicide rates; however, increasing community mental health investments may be promising. 

Yoon, J., & Bruckner, T. A. (2009). Does deinstitutionalization increase suicide? Health Serv Res., 44(4), 1385-1405. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bpl/hesr/2009/00000044/00000004/art00017;jsessionid=7hch2t5n493l.alexandra 

Authors: Tim A. Bruckner, Jangho Yoon.