Citation

Leavey G, Mallon S, Rondon-Sulbaran J, Galway K, Rosato M, Hughes L. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17(1): e369.

Affiliation

The Bamford Centre for Mental Health & Wellbeing, Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s12888-017-1508-7

PMID

29157221

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although Primary care is crucial for suicide prevention, clinicians tend to report completed suicides in their care as non-preventable. We aimed to examine systemic inadequacies in suicide prevention from the perspectives of bereaved family members and GPs.

METHODS: Qualitative study of 72 relatives or close friends bereaved by suicide and 19 General Practitioners who have experienced the suicide of patients.

RESULTS: Relatives highlight failures in detecting symptoms and behavioral changes and the inability of GPs to understand the needs of patients and their social contexts. A perceived overreliance on anti-depressant treatment is a major source of criticism by family members. GPs tend to lack confidence in the recognition and management of suicidal patients, and report structural inadequacies in service provision.

CONCLUSIONS: Mental health and primary care services must find innovative and ethical ways to involve families in the decision-making process for patients at risk of suicide.

Language: en

Keywords

Families; Prevention; Primary care; Psychiatric services; Suicide