The current evidence base for the clinical care of suicidal patients: strengths and weaknesses.
OBJECTIVE
To delineate the place of suicide as a public health problem, describe the methodology by which studies of care of suicidal persons have been assessed in this compendium of evaluative papers, and consider whether improved clinical care can reduce suicide.


METHODS
Systematic review according to the principles of evidence-based medicine. The limitations of the evidence are highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that optimal clinical care can make a difference and reduce suicide. There is no magic clinical bullet currently available that could replace excellent clinical care, which remains the centrepiece of treatment of suicidal persons.
Sakinofsky
Isaac
I
University of Toronto, Head, High Risk Consulation Clinic, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario. isaac.sakinofsky@utoronto.ca
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care / Q000379:methods*; D015995:Prevalence; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data