Year: 1960
Type: article
Abstract: More than 5,000 persons die annually by their own hand in England and Wales, and there is reason to suppose that their number will increase as the age structure of the population changes (Swinscow, 1951).There is no doubt about the size of the problem of suicide or of its claims for attention.Sainsbury (1955) examined the social factors which favour suicide and suggested fields of study which might lead to the prevention of suicide through a programme of mental hygiene, but can any substantial proportion of the present toll of suicides be prevented now by medical action ?The answer must depend upon how many potential suicides show signs which are recognizable as danger signals calling for medical help, how many of these danger signals are recognized as such, and how many would-be suicides, if recognized as emotionally ill, are then responsive to psychiatric treatment.
Source: BMJ
Author: A. Capstick
Institution: Whitchurch Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2087427587