Prevention and Treatment of Suicidal Behaviour: From Science to Practice

Worldwide, at least 1 million people die by suicide each year and many millions more attempt suicide. However, suicide has been increasingly recognised as a preventable problem in many cases. Because of this, and the rising rates of suicide in young people, many countries have established national suicide prevention strategies. These include the United Kingdom, the USA, Scandinavian countries, other countries in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. There is also increasing emphasis on the treatment of suicidal people and those who have made suicide attempts. In order to be effective it is imperative that strategies for treatment and prevention are based on sound scientific evidence.

In this book leading figures from psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, public health, and social medicine bring together the research evidence concerning the key elements in suicide prevention and treatment of suicidal behaviour and translate it into implications for practical action. This includes social and public health policy as well as clinical practice. The book draws together the evidence relevant to treatment and prevention, and uses this in order to highlight the most effective approaches. The range of initiatives covered is wide, reflecting the complex nature of suicide and hence the need for a range of approaches. This book will be an essential source for anyone concerned with the design and implementation of effective suicide prevention strategies, including clinicians working with individual patients, strategic policy makers, and researchers.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Brett C. Plyler, M.D.(Northwestern Memorial Hospital)
Description:This book, which has its origins in the Ninth Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal behavior held in 2002, attempts to present the current research and evidence concerning suicide and its prevention and treatment.
Purpose:The purpose is to present the current evidence concerning epidemiology and causes of suicide as well as the results of treatment and prevention initiatives. The book does meet these worthy objectives.
Audience:It is meant for anyone from psychiatrists and psychologists to public health policymakers who deal with suicide. The authors are credible authorities.
Features:This book covers the essential components of initiating a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy aimed at the general population down to practical clinical guidelines for individuals. The topics are wide ranging and include (but are not limited to): older adults, genetic influences, international trends, substance abuse, risk factors for clinical practice, and antidepressant effect on suicide prevention. The charts and graphs are clear and useful additions to the written material. All of the information discussed is done so with the latest evidence and research to support the treatment guidelines and initiatives.
Assessment:This is an excellent resource for anyone who deals with suicide. From a practical clinical standpoint, it presents the latest research and ideas in treating deliberate self harm and the risks involved. It also lays out international treatment initiatives and the results of attempting to reduce suicide at a macroscopic level. The chapters are well written and easy to understand. There is a particularly good discussion of the entrapment model of suicide and the effect antidepressants have had on suicide at the population level. I highly recommend this book.