The Family Doctor and the Suicidal Family

Abstract

Suicide is a broad social problem, the full scope of which extends beyond the medical profession. The physician is, nevertheless, one of the most important figures in the field of suicide prevention. Particularly because of the growth of community psychiatry and other changes in psychiatric practice, it is more urgent than ever that the physician be alert to the problem of suicide and other derivatives of emotional and interpersonal disturbances. The presence of a great potential for saving lives and preventing suicide entails an equally great responsibility. This responsibility has not been fully met by the medical profession and especially not by the medical educators. We therefore strongly recommend that the study of the theory and prevention of suicide be made an integral part of the medical school curriculum. In the light of the importance of the family in suicide we further recommend that family interviewing and counseling be incorporated into both medical school education and post-graduate training. Such a program would include not only a knowledge of how to interview and evaluate a family, but also how to recognize when a referral to a family therapy specialist is required.