[Suicide problems--epidemiology, factors, motives and prevention. Part I]

Abstract

Suicide is a serious public health problem, being, according to WHO, a third leading cause of death among people aged 15-44. In 2001 the total number of suicide deaths was higher than war deaths ( 500.000 and 23.0000 respectively). Due to such a high incidence of suicides it is likely that a doctor may encounter a suicide or attempted suicide. According to NHS data an average GP will most likely have 10-15 suicidal patients during career. A doctor who encounters a suicidal patient or is approached by a worried family member of a suicidal patient should make right decisions and inform a patient as well as his/her family what to do in the future. The aim of this paper is to present basic data regarding epidemiology of suicides and suggestions which may help the doctor to prevent suicide attempts.