[Recognizing and treating suicidal behavior. Part 1. Results of scientific suicide research, relevant for general practice].

PROBLEM

Whatever his specialty, every medical practitioner will at some time encounter patients at risk of suicide.

MAJOR TOPICS

Medical research into suicide has produced a wealth of knowledge with which the practitioner should be familiar if he is to provide such patients with adequate care. Great importance attaches to a knowledge of groups at a particularly high risk, of motivations, and of the phases of psychodynamic development leading to a suicidal crisis.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the particular features of the suicide risk, the family doctor, who is often consulted shortly before an attempt at suicide is enabled to recognize the mental distress of the patient.