Prevention, early detection and postvention of suicide risk: a narrative review

Abstract

Suicide represents a critical public health challenge. The present narrative review aimed to update the available evidence on risk detection and prevention, to promote lines of action for the early and comprehensive approach to this complex and multi-causal problem; evaluate the possibility of strengthening policies, programs, and actions to enhance existing resources and promote the creation of new ones. Prevention highlights the need for personalized strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Early detection involves identifying risk profiles, especially in those who have tried multiple times, which can guide more effective interventions. Training health professionals is crucial to detect and address risk. Using web technologies, co-production in prevention, telephone support and brief contact are promising strategies. Emergency services and outpatient follow-up are essential after consultation at emergency centers. Postvention actions contribute to harm reduction and mitigation of negative impacts on survivors.