Controlling the Environment to Prevent Suicide (IN: Suicide – an Unnecessary Death, edited by D Wasserman)

This chapter discusses 5 measures that call for controlling the environment as effective means of reducing suicide. These are: gun control; control of other means of suicide; media reporting; availability of medications; & public health action. It is suggested that despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization & other research, there has been little impact on clinical practice. The lack of patient education on means restriction is offered as an example. (9 refs.)