Suicide, diagnosis and age

Abstract

Suicide, which is an increasing cause of death, is associated with many social and psychiatric factors. Mood disorder is a well recognized contributory factor but schizophrenia and personality disorder should be given equal place. Although there are well tested proven treatments for depression, the effectiveness of these in reducing the suicide rates must be ascertained. It is much less clear whether the impulsivity associated with schizophrenia and personality disorders is receptive to psychiatric intervention.