Suicidal Behavior in a Global Public Health Perspective

Abstract

Suicide is one of the Leading causes of death world-wide and an important public health problem. Suicidal behaviors are complex phenomena that arise in very individualistic ways from the interplay of biological, psychological, psychiatric, and social factors. Cultural factors play a major role in suicidal behavior, producing large differences in the characteristics of this problem around the world. The complexity of causes necessarily requires a multifaceted approach to prevention that takes into account the cultural context. This article gives a brief overview of figures and facts to illustrate the burden of suicidal behavior, highlights some common risk and protective factors, and discusses interventions and policy approaches toward the prevention of suicide.