bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crisis hotlines
Authors: Gould Madelyn S , Kalafat John 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis chapter reviews the evidence of the effectiveness of telephone crisis services (‘hotlines’) as a suicide prevention strategy. Hotlines are a ubiquitous source of help internationally, but the evidence for their effectiveness is equivocal. Recent research provides support for crisis hotlines’ role in reducing callers’ crisis and suicidal states, bearing in mind the lack of control conditions. However, studies have also raised concerns about the extent and quality of suicide risk assessments and crisis interventions by hotline staff. A particular challenge is making hotline services attractive to youth. These concerns have prompted current efforts to enhance risk assessments, training and outreach strategies in telephone crisis centres.Crisis hotlines are ubiquitous sources of help worldwide. A rationale for the role of crisis hotlines in suicide prevention is that suicidal behaviour is often associated with a crisis (Mishara and Daigle 2000). The psychological autopsy research generally supports the association of stressful life events, such as interpersonal losses and legal or disciplinary problems, with suicide (Runeson 1990; Brent et al. 1993; Gould et al. 1996). Furthermore, suicide is usually contemplated with psychological ambivalence—surviving suicide attempters often report that the wish to die coexisted with wishes to be rescued and saved (Shaffer et al. 1988). This can result in a ‘cry for help’, which can be addressed by those with special training (Litman et al. 1965). Lastly, crisis services may provide relief to an individual who is in the ‘final common pathway to suicide’ (Shaffer et al. 1988) by providing the opportunity for immediate support at these critical times. The goal of crisis hotlines is to prevent deleterious outcomes for callers by reducing their current crisis and/or suicidal states and identifying alternate coping approaches, including referrals to formal and/or informal community resources. Crisis hotlines have the practical advantage of providing temporally, financially, and geographically accessible services.
Education and awareness programmes for adults
Authors: Hegerl Ulrich , Dietrich Sandra , Pfeiffer-Gerschel Tim , Wittenburg Lisa , Althaus David 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAwareness campaigns and multilevel intervention programmes from different countries and continents, their effects on suicidality, as well as limitations of these programmes, are presented and discussed.Experiences from multilevel interventions, such as the Nuremberg Alliance Against Depression in Germany, show that awareness campaigns develop the strongest effect when combined with other measures to create a synergistic effect. Awareness campaigns draw the attention and interest of primary care providers to activities focusing on depression and suicidality, and make it easier for them to consult with patients with psychiatric diagnoses and motivate them concerning treatment, not least because awareness campaigns can contribute to improving community mental health knowledge. Finally, for those affected by depression or other mental disorders, public campaigns reduce the perceived stigma, thus, lessening the isolation which contributes to despair and suicide risk.
Suicide awareness and mental health among youth in the community
Authors: Hoven Christina W , Tyano Sam , Mandell Donald J 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this chapter, we propose a strategy for increasing the likelihood of identifying youth who are experiencing serious emotional difficulties, which would place them at risk for suicide. Admittedly, current knowledge of the multiple causes of youth suicide remains incomplete, and the scant, currently available mental health resources to address this problem are generally woefully inadequate to meet the need. The situation is even worse in under-resourced environments throughout the world, where there is an acute lack of all mental health services for youth. New efforts are called for. Raising awareness of children’s mental health among important youth stakeholders, parents, teachers, and youth themselves, and increasing help and treatment-seeking behaviours, holds out the potential to help reduce unnecessary deaths by suicide in youth.
Protecting bridges and high buildings in suicide prevention
Authors: Beautrais Annette , Gibb Sheree 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSuicide by jumping is a relatively uncommon method of suicide in most countries. However, in some places where there is accessible high-rise housing, jumping accounts for a significant proportion of suicides. While, internationally, most suicides by jumping occur from residential housing units, preventive efforts have tended to focus on a relatively small number of sites (often bridges) which have acquired notoriety as sites for suicide. A small number of studies suggest that the installation of safety barriers at these sites is an effective approach to reducing suicides by jumping. The extent to which lessons and principles from these examples may be applied to other jumping sites has yet to be fully explored.
Prevention of suicide by jumping
Authors: Chen Ying-Yeh , Yip Paul 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNearly 80 per cent of the population of Hong Kong and Singapore live in high-rise buildings. High-rise buildings provide an opportunity for committing suicide by jumping, and elevated rates of suicide by this method are observed in the above-mentioned cities. An analysis of the suicides in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei can increase understanding and improve possibilities for prevention.
Gun availability and control in suicide prevention
Authors: Leenaars Antoon 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAlthough countries differ in the most frequent methods of suicide, firearms are a preferred method in some countries. It is a method with high case fatality. Individual (case–control) studies and population studies show that restriction of firearms reduces suicide. This is especially evident in the young. Further, population studies show that gun control, such as strict licensing and restricted availability of firearms, is effective. Individual and population studies also found that one must especially control the availability of firearms to people with mental disorders. Canada’s Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1977 (Bill C-51) illustrates the effect of legislating means restriction when one controls for confounding social and economic factors. The young show the most significant decrease in suicide rates, not substituting guns with other methods of suicide. Studies on firearms and suicide across the globe support the studies from Canada. Yet, there are researchers who espouse the opposite and the debate has been polemic. More research is needed to strengthen the conclusion on the positive effects of gun control laws worldwide.
Restriction of alcohol consumption in suicide prevention
Authors: Hadlaczky Gergö 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAlcohol consumption is related to suicide rates on an aggregate level. Given that a causal relationship is also supported by both natural experiments and studies on an individual level, restricting access to alcohol can arguably prevent suicides. Sensitivity of suicide rates to changes in alcohol consumption varies from one region to another, depending on cultural drinking habits. Identifying the key characteristics of cultures where changes in alcohol consumption most affect suicide rates may help in deciding where alcohol restriction policies may be effective in reducing suicide.
How to help survivors of suicide loss
Authors: Baro Franz , Ngoubene-Atioky Arlette J , Toye Jan , Gucht Marc Vande 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Survivors, i.e. relatives and friends of persons who have died by suicide, experience a plethora of emotional and societal difficulties. Due to the complicated nature of grieving in the aftermath of a suicide, emotional and social support to survivors can only ameliorate the life functioning of this population. The present chapter outlines therapeutic resources that will be beneficial to this unique group. Therapeutic groups, and many other group-related activities, have been established to assist survivors of suicide. Descriptive information with regards to these groups and how to create them is provided. The chapter ends with recommendations on additional resources and services for survivors of suicide.
The link between physical disabilities and suicidality in children and adolescents
Authors: Zalsman Gil , Shoval Gal 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe existence of physical disorders and disabilities has been associated with suicidal behaviour among adults. Though relatively less often studied in children and adolescents, a growing body of evidence supports a similar link in this population as well. This chapter describes recent studies on suicidality among young patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and physical injuries. Suggested models addressing biological, psychological and social aspects relevant to the possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking physical disorders and disabilities to suicidal behaviour in the paediatric age group are also discussed.
Effective treatments for suicidal youth
Authors: Brent David 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThere are few empirically tested treatments for suicidal adolescents. In this chapter, the relationship between adolescent depression and suicidal behaviour is reviewed, as well as the risk factors for suicidal behaviour in depressed adolescents. The impact of psychosocial and pharmacotherapeutic interventions on depression and on suicidal outcomes is reviewed, including recent reports that SSRIs may be associated with an increase in spontaneously reported suicidal adverse events. We then review the few empirically tested psychosocial interventions for the treatment of suicide-attempting adolescents, including treatments that target family interactions, cognitions, social and emotion regulation skills, and the social ecology (either social network or school) of the suicidal adolescent. Studies have also examined the impact of different aspects of clinical management, such as the development of a safety plan, providing open access to an inpatient unit, and augmenting usual care with occasional postcards from clinical staff. The possible impact of lithium, divalproex, neuroleptics, and SSRIs in the reduction of impulsive aggression and suicidal risk is also discussed. Recommendations for further research are advanced.
The World Psychiatric Association Section of Suicidology
Authors: Sarchiapone Marco , Soubrier Jean-Pierre , Wasserman Danuta 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Section on Suicidology was established on the eve of the third millennium, and has a quite recent history compared to other Sections. The path of suicidology is transdisciplinary, rather than having a definite location: its study was, at first, the object of philosophy, then of literature, theology, social sciences, only in the last two centuries has it acquired a medical character, specifically in psychiatry. Also in the psychiatric area, suicidology settled in a ‘trans’ fashion, namely acquiring a ‘trans-nosographical’ characterization, cutting across several psychiatric diagnoses. Possibly for this reason, a Section on suicidology within the World Psychiatric Association was necessary, serving as a vessel for a fluid entity as the study of suicidal behaviours.
The International Academy of Suicide Research
Authors: Mann J John 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) was established in Bologna on 29 September 1990, at Padua University (De Leo and Schmidtke 2001). In his inauguration speech, the late Professor Nils Retterstol from Oslo, Norway, welcomed this association of the world’s leading researchers in suicidology and suicide prevention as an essential step forward in the field (IASR 2004a). The overall aim of the Academy is to reduce the mortality and morbidity of suicide-related incidents by promoting the highest standard of suicide research and fostering communication and collaboration among scholars in the field of suicidology. Traditionally, suicide research has focused on the psychological and behavioural characteristics of suicide attempters. However, promising evidence of the biology of suicide has emerged and, accordingly, the IASR now aims to promote more research in this specific area of suicidology. Another of IASR’s objectives is to promote research on evaluation of preventive interventions and of suicide-prevention programmes under way in various countries. Examining the effects of various prevention programmes in different countries and cultures makes it possible to identify which components of an intervention are effective, and thus draw up better strategies for future suicide-preventive programmes (Mann et al. 2005).
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Authors: Haas Ann P , Gebbia Robert , Clayton Paula J 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In 1987, leading experts on suicide joined with families who had lost a loved one to suicide to form the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Following the approach that had proven to be effective in advancing the treatment and prevention of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, AFSP began with the goals of furthering the research necessary to understand and prevent suicide, and educating mental health professionals and the public about effective treatment and suicide-prevention strategies. From its inception, the work of the Foundation aimed to lower suicide rates, increase the public and private resources available for suicide prevention, and develop and support programmes to assist survivors of suicide loss. Over time, AFSP’s focus broadened to include representatives from the civic and business communities, as well as people suffering from depression and other mood disorders that convey suicide risk.
More than 20 years later, AFSP remains the leading national non-profit organization in the US, exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide. From a single national office in New York City, the Foundation has expanded to include twenty-eight Chapters throughout the United States that bring AFSP programmes to states and communities and play an important role in focusing public attention on suicide.
Suicide prevention in Japan
Authors: Kawanishi Chiaki , Kaneko Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Suicide has been an emerging problem for many years in Japan, especially amongst males of working age, young people and the elderly. A dramatic jump in the year-over-year number of suicides occurred in 1998 (32,863 victims compared to 24,391 in 1997). Since 1998, suicide numbers have exceeded 30,000 every year for ten consecutive years (MHLW 2008). According to the latest suicide rates, 37.7 per 100,000 males and 14.7 per 100,000 females completed suicide in Japan in 2007 (National Police Agency 2008). Seventy per cent of the victims are men and approximately a third are aged 60 years or over. Trigger factors for suicide are health and financial problems. The number of people who attempted or committed suicide in Japan due to work-related stress has doubled since 2003– 2004. Due to cultural factors, Japanese men are not supposed to show weakness. The economic conditions of the elderly are worsening as the government restructures its budget and reduces the social security and pension budgets. There are not enough experts and psychiatrists available for consultations with people suicidal crisis.
Suicide prevention in Australia
Authors: De Leo Diego , Krysinska Karolina 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAustralia is among countries with a medium rate of suicide: 10.3 per 100,000, with the male:female suicide ratio of approximately 4 to 1, and suicide rates 16.4 per 100,000 and 4.3 per 100,000, respectively (ABS 2007). Young males in the age group of 25–34 are at the highest risk 25.1 per 100,000 (ABS 2007). Similarly to other countries with an Anglo-Saxon sociocultural background (De Leo 1999), the rates for males decrease with advancing age only to rise again among elderly males over the age of 75, to 21.6 per 100,000 (ABS 2007).
Suicide prevention in New Zealand
Authors: Beautrais Annette , Larkin Gregory Luke 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSuicide rates and suicide prevention emerged as important fi n de siècle social issues in New Zealand in the 1990s; they continue to be focal policy and public health concerns in New Zealand today and for the foreseeable future. This attention has been stimulated by two lines of evidence. First, international comparisons suggest that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of youth (15–24 age group) suicide in the developed world. Comparisons between countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) consistently show New Zealand to share top ranking with Finland and Ireland (Ministry of Health 2006a) for male youth suicide rates, but New Zealand’s high rates of female youth suicide are without peer. Secondly, suicide rates increased markedly among young New Zealanders from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, garnering national attention, yet fuelling public misperception that youth suicides account for most suicides in the country. Indeed, these data led the New Zealand government’s early suicide prevention efforts to target youth explicitly. Forgotten, however, is the plight of those at highest risk: adults in later life. The reality is that youth suicides account for only 20 per cent of all suicides in New Zealand every year. Suicides in adult males account for half of all suicides, and the changing, ageing, population demographics suggest that numbers and rates of suicide in older adults will significantly increase in the next decade. If the suicide toll is to be meaningfully reduced, recognition of the epidemiologic facts and a corresponding alignment of resources are needed to adequately address suicide risk across the lifespan.
Suicide prevention in Finland
Authors: Lönnqvist Jouko 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFinland, with a population of 5.5 million people, forms a culturally homogeneous, well-educated and well-functioning modern Western society. The Finnish health care system is mainly public, and financed by taxes collected both by the state and the municipalities.Suicide has been one of the leading causes of death for decades. Suicide mortality has had a general increasing trend from the early 1920s to the peak of suicide rate, 30 per 100,000, in 1990. Since then, however, the suicide rate has been decreasing, and was 18 per 100,000 in 2005.
Suicide prevention in Germany
Authors: Etzersdorfer Elmar 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The suicide rate in Germany is around the European average; nevertheless, in Germany the third highest absolute number of suicides is committed in Europe (after France and Poland). In 2005, there were 10.260 suicides (7.523 males and 2.737 females; 18.7 and 6.5/100.000, respectively). There are marked regional differences that have been observed for many years, and the suicides reflect a Hungarian pattern (increasing rates with increasing age).
There are many initiatives, as well as institutions, all over the country, which cover a broad spectrum ranging from telephone services and crisis intervention centres to inpatient facilities. I will, therefore, focus on the most important and influential activity of the last years, i.e. the implementation of a national suicide prevention programme (NaSPro, Nationales Suizidpraventionsprogramm).
Suicide prevention in Israel
Authors: Apter Alan , Bursztein Cendrine 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In Israel, approximately 400–500 people commit suicide each year. In 2000, the Ministry of Health reported an incidence of 8.7 per 100,000 in individuals aged 15 years or more (Ministry of Health 2005). By gender, the rate was four times higher in men (14.2 per 100,000) than women (3.7 per 100,000). In 2002, the average annual number of emergency department visits for suicide attempts was 3600 (Ministry of Health 2005). More than one-third of these registered suicide attempts were committed by youth in the 15–24 age group. The figures for attempted suicide, however, may be grossly underestimated, given the known bias associated with reports from emergency room facilities.
Although Israel has been slow to recognize the value of a national suicide prevention programme compared to many countries in Europe, North America, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), recent developments are encouraging. Several governmental and non-governmental initiatives have been instituted by the Inter- Ministerial Committee for Suicide Prevention, Path to Life, a parent–professional alliance, and the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Education. Together, these are expected to lead to a concerted unified nationwide effort to build a national suicide prevention plan.
Even though Israel has not yet adopted an official suicide prevention plan, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) has taken a significant step toward this goal. These activities will be described below.
Suicide prevention in Scotland
Authors: Gordon Jacki , Henderson Gregor 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Choose Life (Scottish Executive 2002)—Scotland’s 10-year suicide prevention strategy and action plan—was launched in December 2002 in direct response to national and local concerns over the increasing suicide rate at that time: while female rates had remained fairly stable over the preceding 30 years, male suicides had more than doubled (Platt et al. 2006).
By international standards, the suicide rate in Scotland is not exceptionally high (European age standardized rate of 15.1 per 100,000 over 2004–2006; population 5.12 million), but it is about twice as high as that for England and Wales (Platt et al. 2006).
Suicide prevention in Argentina
Authors: Martínez Carlos 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The year 2007 will perhaps be a particularly meaningful year in the history of Argentina, because of the newly born Suicidology Discipline. The National Suicidology Congress has commemorated the 40 years of Centro de Asistencia al Suicida de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires Suicide Prevention Centre), which runs the oldest telephone helpline in the country, the creation of the Suicidology Section in the Argentinian Psychiatric Association, and the discussion about creating a Professorship in Suicidology at Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires.
These milestones were preceded by eight consecutive annual congresses organized by the Argentine Suicide Prevention Association from 1997 to 2004. In these congresses volunteers, therapists, teachers, students, civil servants, journalists, social workers, lawyers, researchers, survivors and those who have eventual interest in the subject participated.
This particular process of public awareness promoted the creation of the Expert Commission in the Health Department, in order to formulate the National Programme of Suicide Prevention. From 2008 to 2011, the work will focus on four main areas: collecting information, planning of preventive activities, training, and the evaluation of human resources available for suicide prevention. In 2005, the national suicide rate in Argentina was 8.2 per cent per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 6 and 7 per cent per 100,000 inhabitants registered at the end of the twentieth century.
Suicide prevention in Chile
Authors: Ferrada-Noli Marcello , Alvarado Rubén , Florenzano Francisca 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Although the epidemiology of suicide is known to be highly correlated with psychiatric factors and advances in mental health issues, the suicide rate in Chile had risen from 5.6 per 100,000 in 1990, to 10.3 in 2005: the suicide rate increased for men in the same period from 9.7 to 17.4, and for women from 1.6 to 3.4. This phenomenon has placed the country among the countries with the highest suicide figures in South America (Ministry of Health 2008; WHO 2008).