The aftermath of suicide of a psychiatric inpatient - Experiences in psychiatric hospitals with relatives as suicide survivors

Objective: In a first part we describe the situation of suicide survivors a fter the suicide of a family member in USA and Germany by reviewing the lit erature. In a second part we try to elucidate typical patterns of reactions and coping of relatives. Methods: On the basis of either own experience or from supervision cases, we try to elaborate reaction types of relatives of inpatients who committed suicide. Results: Relatives as suicide survivors show reactions from shock, disbelief, grief, guilt, self-doubt, anger and r elief to accusation and threat of lawsuit toward therapists. An attempt is made to subsummarize these reactions in three preliminary categories. Concl usions: Generally, relatives should be offered the opportunity of more than one common talk with the health care professionals. Postvention is prevent ive work, that alms at avoiding that the suicide survivors becomes a patien t himself.