Suicide prevention research: A bibliometric analysis from 1982 to 2021

Background: Suicide is the most extreme outcome of a mental health crisis and should therefore be a key priority in any mental health prevention response. Objective: the aim of this study was to identify the scientific production and its temporal evolution related to suicide prevention. Method: To do this, a quantitative, descriptive and bibliometric type study was carried out, allowing us to know the current situation regarding this issue. The analysis was performed using Scopus’ own metrics and the use of the Bibliometrix software. Results: The sample to be analyzed constituted 272 papers. The results indicated a progressive growth of productivity levels, with 2018 being the most prolific year of that decade. The United Kingdom and the United States were the  geographical territories with the greatest scientific production on the subject. The discipline that has studied suicide the most throughout the 40 years of research is the area of medicine, representing 60.2%. Conclusions: Overall, our analyses shed light on the strong growth of research in suicidology. We believe that these bibliometric analyses can be useful in guiding researchers, institutions, and countries in the prevention of suicide.