Suicidal thoughts and actions: We need a new model

Suicidal thoughts and actions: We need a new model

Konrad Michel, MD, Psychiatrist from the University of Bern, Switzerland, discusses the clinical approach to suicidal patients, providing a new look at a human phenomenon. Suicide rates are declining in many European countries; in others, they are rising. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for adolescents and young adults worldwide. Many countries have National Suicide Prevention Programmes, but it is difficult to show that they affect suicide rates. There is evidence that reducing the availability of suicide methods, and promoting responsible media reporting on suicide can reduce suicidal behaviour.