Is it Possible to Adapt to the Suicide of a Close Individual? Results of a 10-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study

A prospective ten-year follow-up study was conducted on the consequences of suicide upon relatives or other individuals close to the victim. Baseline interviews (n=104) were carried out from 1987-1988. Semi-structured interviews were carried out 10 years later with 64 subjects from the original study group. Mental symptoms were reported to have been common after the suicide but had subsided in the following 3 years. At baseline mothers had had depressive symptoms more often than others but at follow-up there was no statistical difference. Life changes associated with suicide were common & they could be favourable or unfavourable. At the time of the follow-up study, half of the interviewees felt the baseline interview had helped them adjust to the suicide. (36 refs.)