Evaluating suicide-preventive activities: the present state of research and the resulting implications

Even though the WHO recommended the implementation of regional and nationwi de suicide-preventive activities, there is little evidence of their efficac y. The goal of this review is to discuss the different approaches concernin g suicide prevention. On the one hand, strategies which try to improve the diagnosis and medical care of special highrisk groups are presented. On the other hand, population-based strategies are discussed. The main targets he re are promoting public awareness, optimising primary care, restricting the presentation of suicides in mass media, and restricting the access to mean s for suicide. The combination of high-risk and population-based strategies might hold promise for the best effects.