Psychological Symptoms of Close Relatives of Suicide Victims

The mental health of 104 suicide survivors was investigated by means of structured interviews within 6 months of the suicide. Depression & feelings of guilt were reported by one-half of the suicide survivors, this being more pronounced in women than in men. Depression was most frequent in the mothers of suicide victims, & generally more frequent if the suicide victim was young. Half of all interviewees, women more often than men, reported they felt the need for psychiatric counselling or treatment. Only 25% had sought psychiatric treatment themselves. An offer for psychiatric counselling for suicide survivors should never be overlooked. (37 refs.)