Understanding Suicide

In this book international experts address a range of key current issues relating to suicide. The opening chapters discuss nosology, definitions, clinical determinants, and conceptual models of the suicide process and consider the evidence regarding potential biomarkers of suicide risk based on neuroscientific research. Adopting a neo-Durkheimian perspective, the role of various social factors in the genesis of suicidal behavior is then explored in depth. Practical user-friendly tools that facilitate risk assessment by clinicians are provided, and detailed consideration is given to efficient and innovative strategies for the prevention of suicide and the treatment of suicidal behavior, such as psychotherapy, psychopharmacological approaches, and effective organization of care, including surveillance and the use of online tools. The final part of the book focuses on the need for and development of a personalized approach within the field of suicide prevention.

Philippe Courtet is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Montpellier and Head of the Department of Emergency and Post-Acute Care Psychiatry at the Academic Hospital, Montpellier, France. He leads a research group 'Vulnerability of suicidal behavior' in the INSERM Unit 1061. Professor Courtet obtained his PhD in Neurosciences in the genetics of suicidal behavior. His areas of interest and expertise involve vulnerability to suicidal behavior, with a particular focus on brain imaging and the role of social pain in suicidal behaviors. He also performs studies on suicidal behavior in bipolar and eating disorders and on the use of antidepressants. Professor Courtet is chairman of the 'Suicide' task force of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry. He is current President of the French Association of Biological Psychiatry and Neuropsychopharmacology,