Presents case of Tillie, 36-year-old female office manager of law firm who committed suicide by jumping off balcony in her home in presence of co-workers. Douglas Jacobs from Harvard Medical School and David Jobes from the Catholic University of America discuss case and role of consultant called in to help co-workers deal with impact of this…

Investigated frequency of thoughts of suicides. Depression was related to respondent's reports of his/her own suicidal thoughts and to reports of frequent suicide ideation in others. Discrepancies suggest several factors which increase or decrease the likelihood that someone with thoughts of suicide will attempt suicide. (Author/BEF)

This document presents the transcripts of a Congressional hearing called to bring attention to the growing problem of suicide. The opening statement of Representative Tom Lantos is presented. Prepared statements of 16 witnesses are provided, including psychotherapists from the Houston International Hospital; a mother and a father of teenage…

This survey of suicide prevention and crisis services around the world provides evidence of a trend toward a broadening range of services, a more active case-finding approach, greater visibility, increased integration into the community care system, and creative leadership by newer and smaller centers as well as the well-established ones. (Author)

Chronic callers (N=67) are reviewed; 51 percent were diagnosed as drug or alcohol dependent. Four were known to have committed suicide and 37 had made suicide attempts; 47 percent of the group was eventually referred to an ongoing treatment resource. Agency strategies for dealing with the chronic caller are discussed. (Author)

Reviews the prevalence of suicide among older people in the United States and how it has changed over time. Considers the characteristic intent and implementation of suicidal behavior, and reviews literature on risk factors. Discusses training primary care providers to recognize high-risk, isolated older people. Provides recommendations concerning…

Reviews historic ties between crisis intervention and the beginning of suicidology. A program to offer survivor counseling for those whose loved ones have been killed and for those whose loved ones were the killers is described. Other areas for suicidology application are outlined in terms of survivors, industry, and school. (Author/BEF)

Explores some of the possible distinctive traits of midlife suicides, which include: loss of spouse, years of heavy drinking, reaching the age of high depression risk, and occupational problems. Midlife suicides tend to be highest among white males, although female suicide rates peak in midlife. The paper concludes with a review of assessment and…

Looks back on the history of suicidology to discuss important concepts that have become well established, such as clues to suicide, ambivalence, crisis services, suicide consultations, and psychological autopsies. Recommendations for the long-term treatment of patients are provided. Research on youth suicide is reported. Examines new developments…

Data from therapists who were treating 26 patients when they committed suicide were utilized to identify warning signs. Problems in communication between patient and therapist were identified as factors interfering with crisis recognition. Evaluation of the identified affects and behaviors may help therapists recognize a suicide crisis. (BF)

Examined Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation (MSSI) scores for 198 suicidal men during suicidal crisis, prior to entry into treatment study, and again at 1-month and 12-month follow ups. Found evidence for decreased suicidality, but this was interpreted as the gradual action of interpersonal support, rather than as emotional catharsis. (BF)