Recent GP consultation before death by suicide in middle-aged men

[摘要] I thank Mughal et al for their research on death by suicide in middle-aged men.1 My colleagues and I carried out a regional review of suicides in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (2018–2019) (paper in preparation) and found similar rates of GP consultation in the 3-month period prior to death (54%). We also found around half of these consultations were mental health related (48%). Suicidal thoughts were mentioned in a third of cases at this consultation.Given that these individuals would go on to die from suicide within ≤3 months, the proportion of consultations that were not mental health related or had any mention of suicidal thoughts is striking. Contemporary models of suicide, such as O’Connor’s IMV model, imply that a number of predisposing factors are present in the period leading up to suicide.2 Given the pressures facing general practice and the impact on continuity of care, it is easy to see how the opportunity to identify and enquire about some of the factors may be compromised. We know that middle-aged men are less likely to consult with their GP,3 making these consultations of great value for opportunistic screening. Perhaps it is time to adopt an approach similar to that taken in the identification of domestic violence/abuse and make routine enquiry into suicidal thoughts in all middle-aged men who consult with GPs or other health professionals.© British Journal of General Practice 2023REFERENCES 1.↵Mughal F, Bojanić L, Rodway C, et al. (2023) Recent GP consultation before death by suicide in middle-aged men: a national consecutive case series study. Br J Gen Pract, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2022.0589.

[学科分类] 卫生学