Psychological symptoms of close relatives of suicide victims

The mental health of suicide survivors (N = 104) was investigated by means of structured interviews within six months of the suicide. Depression and f eelings of guilt were reported by one half of the suicide survivors, this b eing more pronounced in women than in men. Depression was most frequent in the mothers of suicide victims, and generally more frequent if the suicide victim was young. A half of all interviewees, women more often than men, re ported that they felt the need for psychiatric counselling or treatment. On ly 25 % had sought psychiatric treatment themselves. An offer for psychiatr ic counselling for suicide survivors should never be overlooked.