27. Epidemiology and prevention of suicide
- Epidemiology
- 1 million worldwide every year
- 3rd leading cause of death in 15 – 24 age group
- 80% occur in low and middle income countries
- Peak incidence: 45 – 65
- 25 attempts for each success
- 3:1 in older
- 100:1 in younger
- Male > female
- Suicide attempts more common in women
- >90% have psychiatric illness or substance abuse disorder
- 20 – 50% have alcohol or drug use problems
- Countries
- Korea
- Hungary
- Russia
- Japan
- China
- Individual risk factors
- Mood disorders
- Alcoholism
- Previous attempt
- Schizophrenia
- Life crisis
- Partner problems
- Chronic pain or illness
- Impulsivity
- Isolation
- Trauma or abuse
- Socio-cultural risk factors
- Lack of social support
- Stigma associated with seeking help
- Decreased access to health care
- The belief that suicide is noble
- Copycat effect
- Protective factors
- Easy access to mental health care
- Strong connection to friends and family
- Restricted access to means of suicide
- Problem-solving skills
- Sense of belonging
- Positive self-esteem
- Prevention
- Restrict access to means of suicide
- Low-threshold access to help
- Hotlines
- Improve social circumstances
- Programmes in school
- Screening for mental well-being at GP