Recent Studies of Contacts With Services Prior to Suicide – Bristol (IN: The Prevention of Suicide, edited by R Jenkins, S Griffiths et al)

Contacts suicide victims in Avon (in the UK) made the year prior to their death were studied. 144 subjects were studied. Those over 35 years old were more likely to have consulted general practitioners than those under 35. Victims who had a history of psychiatric contact were more likely to have consulted their GPs than those without. 46% of victims had contact with a doctor 4 weeks prior to their death. Thus, educational campaigns aimed at GPs are important for helping those at risk. (13 refs.)