Interventions for people bereaved through suicide: systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Promoting the mental health of people bereaved through suicide is a key aim of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of interventions to support people bereaved through suicide.


METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of data from controlled studies of interventions for people bereaved through suicide. Studies were identified using systematic searches, the methodological quality of included studies was assessed and narrative synthesis conducted.


RESULTS
Eight studies were identified. None was UK-based and all but one study had substantial methodological limitations. When compared with no intervention, there was evidence of some benefit from single studies of a cognitive-behavioural family intervention of four sessions with a psychiatric nurse; a psychologist-led 10-week bereavement group intervention for children; and 8-week group therapy for adults delivered by a mental health professional and volunteer. The findings from studies comparing two or more active interventions were more equivocal.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
McDaid
Catriona
C
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York YO105 DD, UK. cm36@york.ac.uk
Trowman
Rebecca
R
Golder
Su
S
Hawton
Keith
K
Sowden
Amanda
A
D000328:Adult; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013405:Suicide