ATTEMPTED-SUICIDE AND CONTACT WITH THE PRIMARY HEALTH AUTHORITIES

In a study describing suicide attempters' approach to the health and s ocial welfare authorities prior to a suicide attempt, it was found tha t one-fourth of the patients seeking help requested therapeutic consul tations and only a few asked for medicinal treatment. Forty-four perce nt had taken newly prescribed medicine for the parasuicide. It is conc luded that the availability of psychological support and a more restri ctive prescription of medicine could have a preventive effect on paras uicidal behaviour. Patients suffering from depression and pain have mo re often than other patients been in contact with their general practi tioner prior to the suicide attempt. Postgraduate courses for practiti oners on depression diagnostics and suicidal behaviour are proposed as a measure in suicide prevention.