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S01.02 - Communication of suicide intent, fact or myth?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

M. Pompili*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Abstract

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From psychological autopsy studies emerged that suicide victims do communicate their intent to end their life; nevertheless health professionals are often stricken by surprise when a suicide occurs. On average, 45% of suicide victims had contact with primary care providers within 1 month of suicide. Two third of the suicide victims communicated their suicidal intent over a period of weeks prior to their death, usually several different persons, 40% communicated their suicidal intent in very clear and specific terms. About 90% of suicide victims had received some kind of health care attention in the year prior to death, but this care was not provided by a mental health professional. Half of the persons dying by suicide had never been in contact with a mental health professional in their lifetime, not even once.

There are various elements that impair recognition of suicide risk by treatment professional and that are associated with stigmatization such as: Lack of knowledge and skills in relation to treatment of self-destructiveness; Professional's loss or absence of concern; Acceptance of patient's suicide as a solution to problems; Wishes that patient would commit suicide as a solution to his or problems; Degree of familiarity with patients; Unfounded optimism in relation to treatment; Fear of patient; Defects or problems associated with treatment system. This presentation explores possible educational interventions for health professional in general and mental health professionals in particular. Reactions after patient's suicide are also discussed.

Type
Symposium: Suicide, an unexpected event for health professionals: Focus on prevention
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2008
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