Suicide claims approximately one million lives worldwide each year, but it is increasingly recognized that there are ways in which some of this loss of life can be prevented. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library, the second edition of Suicide Prevention places suicide in an historical and contemporaneous context, noting how interpretations of its causes and prevention have changed over the years. This comprehensive but concise pocketbook provides healthcare professionals with an appreciation of the subtle relationship between illness and biological factors, and their interaction with society. The text covers the methodological challenges of demonstrating the effectiveness of intervention due to the low base rate of suicide, and summarizes the latest innovative research, giving practitioners a firm knowledge base in a range of management options which can confidently be utilised for those who are suicidal. Suicide Prevention focuses both on the individual, where specific non-pharmacological as well as medication treatments can be utilised, and on the broader community approaches which can be pursued, ensuring that this practical text is relevant to a broad range of professionals working in the field of suicide prevention.

Over recent years research into suicidal behaviour has burgeoned, and the third edition of this successful pocketbook reflects major developments in the evidence base and clinical practice. New chapters cover risk assessment and system-wide approaches to suicide prevention, and the role of clinical guidelines and national policies is also considered. This edition features extensive updates to the epidemiology of suicidal behaviour across the world, and also considers the individual and societal causes of suicide, particularly the effect of recent economic downturns in many countries. The chapter on biological factors includes the current research on the genetics and neuroscience of suicide. The chapters on interventions discuss the latest evidence from systematic reviews and new randomized controlled trials and highlight implications for clinical practice. The positive and negative impacts of the web and social media on suicidal behaviour are a major focus of research activity and new sections have been included to reflect this. The 'Frequently Asked Questions' section was well received in the previous edition and this has been revised further to include new/updated FAQs on euthanasia, assisted suicide, and suicide martyrdom. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library series, this useful handbook is an invaluable resource and quick-reference guide.