Suicide Prevention: An Attempt to Stop the Inevitable?

Theories that attempt to explain increasing rates of suicide in the U.K. & the U.S. are discussed. The author cites 3 studies of completed suicides that indicate alcoholism & mental disorders (particularly affective disorders) are causative factors in 9 out of 10 cases. The effectiveness of suicide prevention organizations & centres is also explored. One positive finding is the decrease in rates of suicide for young white females (frequent crisis centre callers) during the period 1968-73.(NBB)