ROLE OF DOCTORS IN THE PREVENTION OF SUICIDE - THE FINAL CONSULTATION

Background. It is generally assumed that people committing suicide see their doctor shortly before their death, and consequently that enhanc ing doctors' psychiatric knowledge and interview skills might help pre vent some suicides. Aim. A study was undertaken to determine the natur e and timing of final contacts with medical practitioners by people co mmitting suicide. Method. Adults dying by suicide in Scotland during 1 988-89 were identified by the General Register Office for Scotland and their primary care case notes studied. Results. Within this national sample, medical contact near to the time of the suicidal act was rare, except for those individuals who had a previous psychiatric history. Conclusion. These data suggest that medical practitioners, particularl y those working in primary care, are not failing to detect and interve ne in significant numbers of preventable suicides. Consequently, the l ikelihood of implementing successful suicide prevention strategies bas ed within primary care is open to question. Greater awareness of the r isk of eventual suicide in those with a previous history of psychiatri c disorder may contribute to any future reduction in suicide rates.