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Identification of suicide risk factors using epidemiologic studies
1Prevention and Behavioral Medicine Research Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|November 5, 1997
Summary
Suicide is complex, influenced by mental disorders and immediate stressors. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for effective suicide prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicide is a significant public health issue with complex, multifactorial causes.
- Existing research highlights various contributing factors, necessitating a structured approach to understanding and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the epidemiology of completed and attempted suicide.
- To discuss known risk factors for suicide within a framework for theory testing and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological review of suicide data.
- Analysis of risk factors, including mental/addictive disorders and proximal stressors.
Main Results:
- Mental and addictive disorders are the primary risk factors, accounting for over 90% of completed suicides.
- Co-occurrence of disorders with proximal factors (e.g., access to lethal means, stressful events, intoxication) can create conditions for suicide.
Conclusions:
- Mental and addictive disorders are central to suicide risk across all age groups.
- A systematic approach integrating epidemiological data and risk factor analysis is essential for developing effective suicide prevention interventions.