Clues to Suicide

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Abstract
The following 5 points are offered as a summary of the findings and implications of this interim report: Three-fourths of our subjects who committed suicide had previously threatened or attempted to take their own lives. This means that suicidal behavior, whether attempted or threatened, must be taken seriously, inasmuch as the next suicidal "gesture" may be the final one. Almost half of the individuals who committed suicide did so within 3 months of having passed an emotional crisis and after they seemed to be on the way to recovery. This means that physicians and relatives must be especially cautious and watchful for at least 90 days after a person who has been suicidal appears to be improving. On the basis of comparisons among psychological tests, it appears that the person who threatens suicide seems to be more emotionally disturbed than the person who attempts suicide, but both must be taken seriously and watched carefully for at least 3 months. The comparison of genuine suicide notes with simulated suicide notes indicates that the person about to take his own life includes orders and admonitions as though he had reached a final decision in solving his problems and had accepted the fact that he will soon no longer be around. Calling upon professional psychiatric, psychological, and social service specialists for the treatment of a potentially suicidal person may mean the difference between life and death.

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