Citation

Lancet 2014; 384(9944): 638.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61379-9

PMID

25152261

Abstract

The recent suicide of American actor Robin Williams is likely to fade from the news within weeks, but the thousands of people who will remain at risk of suicidal behaviour in the USA and elsewhere must not be forgotten. According to the UK's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, there were more than 3000 deaths by suicide in patients with mental illness after discharge from hospital during 2002—12. Amid the poignant news coverage of Robin Willams's death, now is a good time to reflect on the underlying science and research evidence.

Although previous mental illness is a recognised and much studied underlying risk factor, most people with psychiatric disorders will not experience suicidal behaviour. So, to prevent suicidal behaviour, the key contributing factors need to be better understood....

Language: en