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Suicide and suicidal behaviours: implications for mental health services
1St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario. rhodesa@smh.toronto.on.ca
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|November 7, 1998
Summary
Engaging suicidal individuals in treatment is challenging, with low follow-through rates. Evidence on psychosocial interventions reducing suicidal behavior is inconclusive, though some groups may benefit.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicidal behavior represents a significant public health concern.
- Engaging and retaining individuals at risk for suicide in treatment is a persistent challenge.
- Understanding treatment adherence is crucial for effective suicide prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on engaging and maintaining suicidal individuals in treatment.
- To evaluate evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on psychosocial interventions for reducing suicidal behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature was conducted.
- The review focused on studies examining engagement, maintenance, and the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in reducing suicidal behaviors.
Main Results:
- Treatment follow-through rates are notably low among individuals who have attempted suicide.
- Current evidence is inconclusive regarding the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in reducing the repetition of suicidal behavior.
- Certain patient subgroups may experience benefits from specific psychosocial interventions.
Conclusions:
- Future research needs to address methodological limitations to clarify intervention effectiveness.
- Enhancing treatment effectiveness may necessitate improvements in the delivery of care to ensure adequate patient follow-through.
- Targeted psychosocial interventions could be beneficial for specific populations at risk of suicide.