Suicide prevention: meeting the challenge together Vijayakumari, Lakshmi

Suicide is the tragic and untimely loss of human life. It is often a result of a complex interaction of psychological, social, cultural, biological, genetic and environmental factors. Suicide and attempted suicide carry a huge social and economic cost for the individual, family, friends and society. Suicidal behaviour is now considered a major public health problem in all countries. This book presents a selection from the papers presented at the XXI Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention held at Chennai, India. This was the first time the international congress was held in a developing country in Asia. The aim of holding this congress in India was to increase awareness about suicide and suicide prevention among the public, professionals and policymakers in Asia. Studies on suicide and its prevention from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, Korea and India form an important section of this book. The papers are authored by specialists from across the world, who bring to their subject experience and authority. This book will be of interest to many, and of use to all professionals working in the area of suicide prevention. It examines cultural perspectives and methodological issues, provides a psychobiological model and studies attitudes among special groups such as those with schizophrenia.