Examines the problem of suicide around the world and how suicide can be prevented. This title presents discussions of issues that have been of particular concern, such as whether antidepressants precipitate suicidal behaviour in some people as well as preventing it in others and the complex issues involved in physician-assisted suicide.

Suicide is the cause of death for nearly one million people per year. Death by suicide is often reported as being due to other causes to avoid stigmatization and other negative consequences of suicide for the family. It can, therefore, be assumed that the number of people who commit suicide is in actuality much higher than the given number. Attempts at suicide, estimated to be ten times more frequent than completed suicide, often cause permanent impairment and disability. The loss of life caused by suicide presents a significant loss for the communities in which it occurs socially,...