Garry Walter1, Saxby Pridmore. 1. University of Sydney, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia. gwalter@mail.usyd.edu.au
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the assumption that suicide is inevitably preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide may not always be avoidable. This does not mean that every effort should not be made to prevent it or vigorously treat illnesses that are often contributory. The assumption, however, may give rise to undue optimism, and unjustified blame when suicides do occur.
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the assumption that suicide is inevitably preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide may not always be avoidable. This does not mean that every effort should not be made to prevent it or vigorously treat illnesses that are often contributory. The assumption, however, may give rise to undue optimism, and unjustified blame when suicides do occur.