Citation

Gvion Y, Apter A. Public Health Rev. 2012; 34(2).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, International Health Publications)

DOI

10.1007/BF03391677

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicidal behavior is a major public health problem. As it has for decades, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the western world. This paper reviews the literature and the latest developments on the research and knowledge of suicide behavior and death from suicide. The keywords: suicide, psychopathology, mental pain, impulsivity, aggression and communication difficulties were entered into databases: PubMed, PsychLit and ProQuest. Significant articles were scrutinized for relevant information. According to WHO estimates for the year 2020, approximately 1.53 million people will die from suicide, and ten to 20 times more people will attempt suicide worldwide. These estimates represent on average one death every 20 seconds and one attempt every one to two seconds. Although of low predictive value, the presence of psychopathology is probably the single most important predictor of suicide. Accordingly, approximately 90 percent of suicide cases meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, particularly major depression, substance use disorders, cluster B personality disorders and schizophrenia. Other more transient factors that reflect an imminent risk of suicide crisis and therefore require immediate intervention include unbearable mental pain and related experiences of depression and hopelessness. Problems with help-seeking, social communication and self-disclosure also pose a suicide risk, as do personality traits of aggression and impulsivity. All these factors are highly correlated with suicidal behavior across psychiatric samples and nosological borders. Although suicidal behavior has been well studied, empirically and clinically, the definition of the different subtypes and phenotypes of suicidal behaviors and mechanisms underlying some of the risk factors (such as aggression, impulsivity, suicide intent) remain unclear. Reducing the increasing trend of suicide rates among the most vulnerable populations will require further research. Hopefully this review will contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon and to the development of preventive initiatives.

Language: en

Keywords

human; violence; suicide; Suicide; incidence; Aggression; Impulsivity; suicidal ideation; prevalence; Suicidal behavior; sex difference; aggression; mortality; loneliness; suicide attempt; suicidal behavior; risk assessment; pain; risk factor; review; mental disease; priority journal; cognitive therapy; impulsiveness; geographic distribution; age distribution; alienation; communication disorder; Mental pain; Communication difficulties; interpersonal factor; intrapersonal factor