Suicide Prevention

Suicide claims approximately one million lives worldwide each year, but it is increasingly recognized that there are ways in which some of this loss of life can be prevented. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library, the second edition of Suicide Prevention places suicide in an historical and contemporaneous context, noting how interpretations of its causes and prevention have changed over the years. This comprehensive but concise pocketbook provides healthcare professionals with an appreciation of the subtle relationship between illness and biological factors, and their interaction with society. The text covers the methodological challenges of demonstrating the effectiveness of intervention due to the low base rate of suicide, and summarizes the latest innovative research, giving practitioners a firm knowledge base in a range of management options which can confidently be utilised for those who are suicidal. Suicide Prevention focuses both on the individual, where specific non-pharmacological as well as medication treatments can be utilised, and on the broader community approaches which can be pursued, ensuring that this practical text is relevant to a broad range of professionals working in the field of suicide prevention.   Table of Contents 1. Historical review ; 2. Definitions ; 3. Epidemiology ; 4. Contributing factors to suicide ; 5. Mental disorders and the biological substrate of suicide ; 6. Psychosocial influences on suicidal behaviour ; 7. An evidence-based management approach ; 8. Initial assessment and management ; 9. Non-pharmacological approaches ; 10. Pharmacological approaches ; 11. Broad suicide prevention initiatives ; 12. Bereavement after suicide ; 13. Frequently asked questions ; 14. Conclusion ; 15. Clinical examples ; 16. Useful links