Suicide and Suicide Risk Factors: a Review of Literature and Some Case Studies

Abstract

The prevalence of suicide in our society is on the increase. Suicide is a psychiatric emergency and the awareness of its seriousness in our society should not be overlooked. It is a significant cause of death world wide. It accounts for about 30,000 deaths per year in the USA and more than 5,000 deaths per year in South Africa. Suicide can be defined as intentional self-inflicted death. Etiological factors for suicide include social, psychological and physical factors. But suicide is multi-factorial in nature. This review will focus mainly on the associated risk factors for suicide such as demographic factors, psychiatric disorders, terminal or chronic medical conditions and recurrent unresolved psychological stressors. In conclusion, suicide remains a serious cause of mortality worldwide.