Interventions for people bereaved through suicide: systematic review

McDaid, Catriona; Trowman, Rebecca; Golder, Su; Hawton, Keith; Sowden, Amanda

doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.107.040824

Cited by 91 publications

(90 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Qualitative interviews with British general practitioners indicate that although the majority feel a responsibility to contact bereaved patients, particularly after traumatic bereavement (41), many feel unprepared to deal with the specific effects of suicide, welcoming guidance on what approach to take (42). Their uncertainty is compounded by a lack of evidence for effective interventions to reduce the risk of suicide and psychopathology (13). Each suicide affects a network of relatives, former partners, and friends (3) that extends well beyond registered next of kin.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Qualitative work would permit a deeper exploration of the acceptability and quality of support received. Given the limited evidence base, further trials are required of interventions for people bereaved by suicide (13), particularly proactive outreach, for which there is an expressed need (44). Primary care and psychiatric professionals are in unique positions to offer such outreach and to counter reluctance to seek help.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Support for Relatives Bereaved by Psychiatric Patient Suicide: National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide Findings

Pitman

Hunt

Mcdonnell

et al. 2017

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Objectives: International suicide prevention strategies recommend providing support to families bereaved by suicide. The study objectives were to measure the proportion of cases in which psychiatric professionals contact next of kin after a patient's suicide and to investigate whether specific, potentially stigmatizing patient characteristics influence whether the family is contacted. (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012) were used to identify 11,572 suicide cases among psychiatric patients. Multivariate regression analysis was used to describe the association between specific covariates (chosen on the basis of clinical judgment and the published literature) and the probability that psychiatric staff would contact bereaved relatives of the deceased. Methods: Annual survey data from England and WalesResults: Relatives were not contacted after the death in 33% of cases. Contrary to the hypothesis, a violent method of suicide was independently associated with greater likelihood of contact with relatives (adjusted odds ratio=1.67). Four patient factors (forensic history, unemployment, and primary diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependence or misuse) were independently associated with less likelihood of contact with relatives. Patients' race-ethnicity and recent alcohol or drug misuse were not associated with contact with relatives.Conclusions: Four stigmatizing patient-related factors reduced the likelihood of contacting next of kin after patient suicide, suggesting inequitable access to support after a potentially traumatic bereavement. Given the association of suicide bereavement with suicide attempt, and the possibility of relatives' shared risk factors for suicide, British psychiatric services should provide more support to relatives after patient suicide.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Support for Relatives Bereaved by Psychiatric Patient Suicide: National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide Findings

Pitman

Hunt

Mcdonnell

et al. 2017

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“…11,12 It is not clear what interventions are effective because evidence is currently limited 13 but it is suggested that specialist bereavement counselling can be useful for those actively seeking it.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[36][37][38] GPs were unclear on what can be offered to those bereaved or the efficacy of available interventions, and the evidence in the literature is similarly unclear. 13 One mentioned that they offered a hug to their patient, and others talked of the importance of face-to-face encounters. The literature suggests that 'touch' can be useful in certain clinical encounters to comfort and connect with patients.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

GPs’ experiences of dealing with parents bereaved by suicide: a qualitative study

et al. 2016

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BackgroundSuicide prevention is an NHS priority in England. Bereavement by suicide is a risk factor for suicide, but the needs of those bereaved by suicide have not been addressed, and little is known about how GPs support these patients, and how they deal with this aspect of their work. AimThis study explores the experiences of GPs dealing with parents bereaved by suicide. Design and settingQualitative study using interviews with 13 GPs in the UK.

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“…With limited evidence to substantiate the effectiveness of traditional western based grief theories, these models have been comprehensively utilised in grief therapy without accommodating western and non-western cultural responses to bereavement (Valentine, 2006). Moreover, postvention activities formulated from a western philosophical framework can be ineffective in addressing the needs of culturally diverse groups who may require more culturally appropriate interventions reflecting their cultural background (McDaid, Trowman, Golder, Hawton, & Sowden, 2008). According to Rothaupt & Becker (2007), understanding normal and adaptive responses to grief within different cultural contexts is important in generating knowledge within this area.…”

Section: Key Factors Affecting Grief Reactionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Complexities of Suicide Bereavement Research

Ali

2015

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Statistics indicate a projected increase in the number of suicides by those in receipt of mental health services in England. Research has also shown that the impact of suicide on individuals who have lost someone to suicide have an increased risk of poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of suicidality. However, research within suicide bereavement is limited due to the lack of methodologically robust studies involving those bereaved through suicide. This paper will offer an overview of current debates in the suicide bereavement literature and discuss a forthcoming qualitative study that will examine the impact of suicide by those in receipt of mental health services on their families. The current research will utilise a constructivist grounded theory approach. Analysis of the data will include a process of coding and comparison, leading to theory generation. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the impact of suicide on family members (where the deceased was in receipt of mental health services) and how to provide effective post-intervention support for these particular families.

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Interventions for people bereaved through suicide: systematic review

Abstract: Although there is evidence of some benefit from interventions for people bereaved by suicide, this is not robust. Further methodologically sound evidence is required to confirm whether interventions are helpful and, if so, for whom.

Cited by 91 publications

References 13 publications

Support for Relatives Bereaved by Psychiatric Patient Suicide: National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide Findings

Support for Relatives Bereaved by Psychiatric Patient Suicide: National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide Findings

GPs’ experiences of dealing with parents bereaved by suicide: a qualitative study

Exploring the Complexities of Suicide Bereavement Research

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