Some Aspects of Economic and Social Policy (IN: The Prevention of Suicide, edited by R Jenkins, S Griffiths et al)

The UK Government policies to achieve the Health of the Nation suicide targets are reviewed. In the area of primary care, the Department of Health hopes that suicides can be reduced through better training of GPs. The effect of changing access to the means of suicide are mentioned. Sociological issues such as unemployment, how they affect suicide, and evidence backing this are explored. The cost effectiveness of the policies to achieve these programs, however, are unknown. (16 refs.)