Citation

Wasserman D, Berglund M, Beskow J, Cullberg J, Jacobsson L, Olsson M, Traskman-Bendz L, Åsberg M. Nord. J. Psychiatry 1991; 45(2): 81-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/08039489109103271

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Wasserman D, Berglund M, Beskow J, Cullberg J, Jacobsson L, Olsson M, Träskman-Bendz L, Åsberg M. Suicide prevention in psychiatric care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that preventive measures against suicide, alcoholism, and drug abuse should be given priority in the 1990s. WHO has also devised a programme of suicide prevention that underlines the emphasis on research, information, and training, as well as improved care, especially of high-risk groups. Surveys of individuals displaying suicidal behaviour and of risk groups are very helpful in all work with patients, in both outpatient and inpatient care, especially since the composition of risk groups appears to vary between geographic areas. Many research findings suggest that the process towards suicide or attempted suicide is not necessarily inevitable. Culture, society, and the individual's immediate surroundings - that is, family, friends, and care personnel - appear capable of interacting with the biologic vulnerability factors and of either reinforcing or reducing the importance of the biologic inheritance. This interaction is not entirely simple and will require considerable research. On the basis of our current knowledge, however, we should already now utilize in all suicide-preventive work what we know about the significance of biologic, psychodynamic, and social aspects for the transition towards suicidality. At every clinic we should strive to conduct treatment on the basis of a broad diagnostic frame of reference and interdisciplinary understanding and also to satisfy the needs of easy accessibility, continuity, and professionalism in the care of suicidal individuals. © 1991 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

Language: sv

Keywords

Suicide prevention; Psychiatric care; Biologic aspects; Epidemiologic aspects; Family aspects; Psychodynamic aspects