[Can suicidality be cured? Suicide prevention in the G.P.'s practice]

Annually, approximately 1300 people commit suicide in Switzerland. Whilst general practitioners play a crucial role in the prevention of suicide, suicidal patients are a huge burden on physicians. The risk factors for suicide are well known but a comprehensive assessment of the suicide risk calls for an evaluation of the individual resources. Most at risk are those who have previously attempted suicide; the risk of repetition remains elevated for years. Suicide in itself is not a disease but it is closely related to mental disorders. A critical issue in suicide prevention is the recognition and treatment of underlying disorders. Patients often refuse further therapy after an attempted suicide, probably due to communication problems between patients and mental health professionals. It will be demonstrated how it is nevertheless possible to establish a therapeutic alliance which would prove beneficial in a future crisis.