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Editorial Commentary

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost one million people die by suicide worldwide each year (WHO, 2012). While suicidal behavior is understood as a complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, cultural and geographical factors, psychiatric illness has been shown to be a major contributing cause. From a clinical perspective, a psychiatric evaluation, which includes the identification of factors that increase an individual's risk of suicide, and protective factors that reduce this risk, is considered a core component of a suicide risk assessment (Jacobs et al., 2003). However, due to low base rates of suicide and unique factors, it is not possible to predict suicide on an individual level (Pokorny, 1983, 1993). The goal of a suicide assessment is not to predict suicide, but rather to place a person along a continuum of putative risk, to appreciate the bases of suicidality and allow for a more informed intervention (Jacobs, Brewer, & Klein-Benheim, 1999).

Authors

Cutcliffe JR; Santos JC; Links PS; Zaheer J; Harder HG; Campbell F; McCormick R; Harder K; Bergmans Y; Eynan R

Book title

Routledge International Handbook of Clinical Suicide Research

Pagination

pp. 143-145

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publication Date

October 15, 2013

DOI

10.4324/9780203795583-17
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