Comprehensive Textbook of Suicidology

Among the Most Complex Challenges facing the clinician, suicide exacts a devastating toll from individuals, families and society as a whole. Yet much has been learned in recent decades about the nature, prediction, prevention and treatment of suicidal behaviors. This landmark text provides an authoritative overview of current knowledge across the behavioral and social sciences. Salient research findings are critically reviewed and assessed and issues relevant to clinical case management are highlighted. Written by three international suicide authorities from different professional disciplines, the volume also includes contributions from other leading scientist practitioners who report on their respective areas of expertise. Throughout, case illustration and concise summaries of key issues enhance the utility of the volume for students and professional alike.

Introducing the field of suicidology for the first time in textbook form, the volume describes major theories, concepts and research models. The authors outline the historical and contemporary scope of the problem and provide a classificatory framework for self-destructive behaviors. Major data sources are evaluated and efforts to identify risk and protective factors described. Turning to epidemiology, chapters compare gender, age and ethnicity differentials in suicide; investigate socioeconomic variables and take a close look at family and interpersonal factors, Findings are presented on suicide methods and nonfatal attempts and insights offered into the psychology suicide notes. Next, the volume addresses biological and psychiatric factors. Chapters delineate the links between suicide and mental disorders, including major depression and substance abuse, as well as the impact of physical illness. A range of neurobiological studies of suicidality are reviewed and psychopharmacological treatment approaches discussed. Other topics covered include models of prevention; religious, ethical, philosophical and legal issues and problems facing loved ones and other survivors.

Comprehensive and multidisciplinary in scope, this volume is essential reading for practitioners, students and researchers in psychology, psychiatry, counselling, public health and related fields. It serves as a text in advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

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