Citation

Inoue K, Tanii H, Kaiya H, Okazaki Y, Fukunaga T. Int. Med. J. 2008; 15(1): 35-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Design, and Materials and Methods: A recent increase in the number of suicides in Japan has been noted. According to Vital Statistics of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare suicide deaths in Japan numbered about 23,500 in 1997 but rose sharply to about 32,000 in 1998, marking a peak in suicide deaths. Afterwards, the number of suicides surpassed 30,000 annually and the number remains high. According to some reports in Japan, health problems including mental health problems were most frequently the major problem faced by individuals upon their suicide. Therefore, we have primarily reviewed suicide due to physical illness in Japan and we hope this review leads to the formulation of new measures to prevent suicide.

RESULTS and Conclusion: We reviewed suicide due to physical illness primarily in Japan. There are several reports that physical illness, be it cancer or not, is linked to suicide. Various physical illnesses have been linked to suicide. Succumbing to suicide from an exhausted mental state due to physical illness has also often been observed. In routine practice, we must fully ascertain not only the patient's illness but his or her mental state as well. Moreover, we must also convey this to not only the patient but also to the patient's family so that they can ascertain the patient's symptoms. Measures to prevent suicide due to physical illness must be taken not just by the medical establishment but must also be considered at the regional and national level. © 2008 Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; suicide; Suicide; Japan; depression; anxiety; review; mental disease; physical disease; patient attitude; cardiovascular disease; neoplasm; Physical illness; Mental health problems; Health problems