Suicide prevention

Previous edition: published as by Robert D. Goldney. 2013.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Acknowledgements p. xi
Abbreviations p. xiii
1 A brief history of suicidal behaviour p. 1
2 Definitions p. 9
3 Epidemiology p. 14
4 What causes suicidal behaviour? p. 24
5 Psychiatric disorders and biological factors p. 33
6 Psychosocial and societal influences on suicidal behaviour p. 45
7 Initial assessment and management p. 55
8 Risk assessment for suicide p. 66
9 Psychological and other non-pharmacological approaches p. 74
10 Pharmacological approaches p. 85
11 The role of health services and systems p. 95
12 Preventing suicide through population-based approaches p. 106
13 Bereavement after suicide p. 120
14 Frequently asked questions p. 130
15 Conclusion p. 139
16 Clinical examples p. 143
17 Useful links p. 147
Index p. 151

Over recent years research into suicidal behaviour has burgeoned, and the third edition of this successful pocketbook reflects major developments in the evidence base and clinical practice.

New chapters cover risk assessment and system-wide approaches to suicide prevention, and the role of clinical guidelines and national policies is also considered. This edition features extensive updates to the epidemiology of suicidal behaviour across the world, and also considers the individual and societal causes of suicide, particularly the effect of recent economic downturns in many countries. The chapter on biological factors includes the current research on the genetics and neuroscience of suicide. The chapters on interventions discuss the latest evidence from systematic reviews and new randomized controlled trials and highlight implications for clinical practice. The positive and negative impacts of the web and social media on suicidal behaviour are a major focus of research activity and new sections have been included to reflect this. The 'Frequently Asked Questions' section was well received in the previous edition and this has been revised further to include new/updated FAQs on euthanasia, assisted suicide, and suicide martyrdom.

Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library series, this useful handbook is an invaluable resource and quick-reference guide.