Einstellungsmuster Japanischer hausärzte gegenüber suizidgefährdeten patienten

A questionnaire was sent to medical practitioners from various specialities in Okayama City (Japan) which was designed to investigate physicians' awareness of the problem of suicide and to survey their methods of intervention. About two-thirds of those surveyed did not question patients about their mental condition. When suicidal thoughts were discussed nearly 90% of physicians never or rarely used direct language like "suicide" or "death" and 68% stated that they saw no therapeutic effect in using such terms. Even when physicians had diagnosed suicidal intentions among their patients, they did not prescribe medication themselves but referred them to a psychiatrist. Less than one-third recommended official help centers for suicide prevention to their patients but two-thirds informed the family. We describe some proposals that are considered to be effective in preventing suicides in Japan.