[Results of a clinico-experimental evaluation of suicide prevention programs]

With regard to methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity of the outcome of experimental studies in the field of suicide prevention only tentative conclusions can be drawn from the results. Suicide prevention programs where contact to patients is actively established and maintained seem to be more effective in reducing the rate of further suicide attempts than passive strategies which leave it to the patients to initiate and continue a therapeutic relationship. This advantage emerges more clearly when patients are repeatedly or even continually motivated to utilize advice and treatment facilities. The intensity of outpatient aftercare services may also have a considerable influence on the effectiveness of suicide prevention.