Prevention of suicide and attempted suicide in Denmark

The Universal, Selected, and Indicated prevention (USI)is chosen as the preventive model. Universal preventive interventions are directed toward entire population. A selected review of the literature is conducted with focus on restrictions in firearms, carbon monoxide gas and drug self-poisoning. Selective interventions are directed toward individuals who are at greater risk for suicidal behaviour. A review of risk of suicide in homelessness and schizophrenia is conducted and possible interventions are mentioned together with the evidence for their effect. Suicide rate and preventive measures in affective disorder are also touched upon. Indicated preventions are targeted at individuals who have already begun self-destructive behaviour. At the indicated prevention level, a review of short-, medium- and long-term studies of fatal and non-fatal suicide acts after suicide attempt is conducted. The evidence of preventive measures to reduce repetition rates is presented. The state of the art is discussed with regard to prevention at the universal, the selected and the indicated level, and clinical and research implications are outlined.

Autorentext

Merete Nordentoft is Professor at Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen She obtained PhD degree in 1994, and Dr Med Science in 2007. She chaired the task force for the Danish National Action Plan for Suicide Prevention. She is member of Danish Medical Research Council. She has authored a large number of scientific papers