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Effects of medical interventions on suicidal behavior. Introduction
K R Jamison1, R J Baldessarini
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|March 12, 1999
Summary
Effective suicide prevention strategies are limited, but research indicates medical treatments can reduce suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders. Further scientific investigation and public education are crucial for early recognition and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited research evidence exists on effective suicide prevention methods.
- Indications suggest specific treatments may reduce suicidal risk in major affective disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current knowledge on the effects of medical interventions on suicidal behavior.
- To propose future research approaches in suicide prevention.
Main Methods:
- An international symposium was convened with participating experts.
- Experts prepared summary reports on their contributions regarding medical interventions and suicidal behavior.
Main Results:
- Current knowledge on medical treatments' effects on suicidal risk was considered.
- Proposed approaches for future research were discussed.
Conclusions:
- Suicide is amenable to ethical scientific investigation.
- Evidence supporting suicide risk reduction can be developed through studies on specific interventions.
- Enhanced public and professional education is needed for early recognition and treatment of psychiatric disorders contributing to suicide.