Suizide in deutschen Gefängnissen während der COVID-19-Pandemie

The risk of dying by suicide in prison is increased. During the COVID-19 pandemic numerous measures were introduced to protect against infection, which, for example, resulted in a significant reduction in contact and treatment options. As part of a cohort comparison of suicides and selected characteristics of the suicidal persons between April 2017 and December 2019 as well as between April 2020 and December 2022, it was investigated whether there was a change in suicides during the pandemic. The results show an increase in suicides in the cohort during the pandemic, especially in the first 14 days of detention and an increase in suicides by suicidal people with increased vulnerability. No differences were found in the overall risk characteristics for suicide in prison. There are indications of a suicide-preventing effect of the contact and treatment options. As a result there is a need to offer more intensive prevention services for prisoners with increased vulnerability or lower resilience.