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[Changes in the frequency of suicidal behaviour after a 2-year intervention campaign]
D Althaus1, G Niklewski, A Schmidtke
1Kompetenznetz Depression, Suizidalität, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 München. dalthaus@med.uni-muenchen.de
Background:
Insufficient treatment of depression is one of the most important causes of suicide. The Nuremberg Alliance against Depression (funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research) tried to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from depression. This multilevel programme focussed on close cooperation with general practitioners, a public relation campaign about depression, involvement of other professional groups, and reinforcement of self-help activities.
Methods:
The project was realised in the city of Nuremberg, Germany in 2001-2002. Changes in the frequency of suicidal acts (successful and attempted suicides) compared to a baseline (2000) and a control region (Wuerzburg, Germany) were prospectively defined as the main outcome criterion.
Results:
The frequency of suicidal acts decreased significantly (-21.7%) compared to the control region. This reduction was mainly due to a lower rate of suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
Many other regions in Germany and Europe followed the Nuremberg model project and have initiated regional alliances against depression.
Insights
The Nuremberg Alliance against Depression program significantly reduced suicide attempts by 21.7%. This public health initiative improved depression care quality and demonstrated a successful model for preventing suicide.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Untreated depression is a leading cause of suicide.
- The Nuremberg Alliance against Depression aimed to enhance depression care quality.
- The program involved general practitioners, public awareness campaigns, and self-help support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Nuremberg Alliance against Depression program.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on suicide rates.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted in Nuremberg, Germany (2001-2002).
- Suicidal acts (completed suicides and attempts) were monitored.
- Data was compared to a baseline year (2000) and a control region (Wuerzburg).
Main Results:
- A significant decrease of 21.7% in suicidal acts was observed.
- The reduction was primarily driven by a lower incidence of suicide attempts.
- The intervention demonstrated a positive impact on suicide prevention.
Conclusions:
- The Nuremberg model project successfully reduced suicidal acts.
- The program's success led to its adoption in other regions across Germany and Europe.
- Regional alliances against depression are an effective strategy for suicide prevention.
