Suicide and suicidal behaviors: insight into clinical challenges and preventive measures

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide is a global health issue that affects both individuals and communities, with significant costs for society. Given the complex nature of suicide, it is crucial to have profound knowledge of this matter and integrate traditional frameworks with innovative strategies.

Areas covered: The paper explores suicide risk with a focus on prevention. Through the lenses of eight experts from academic and medical contexts, an exploration of suicide has been proposed that underlines the importance of considering transdiagnostic elements and specific subpopulations, examines specific theoretical frameworks and emerging models, such as the Suicide Crisis Syndrome, and presents both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for suicide prevention.

Expert opinion: Tailored approaches are paramount, allowing for practical knowledge of the unique experiences of those at risk of suicide and encouraging cooperation among mental health professionals to enhance the development of strategies to manage suicide risk; they should also help to improve patient health and quality of life with positive consequences for families, communities and ultimately society in general. It is also recommended that evidence-based interventions, both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic, need to consider the individual's mental pain in the broader context of the evolving challenges in global suicide prevention efforts.

Keywords: Assessment; available treatments; management; preventive measures; suicide crisis; suicide risk.