SPRC: Suicide Prevention Resource Center. New account. Course: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Lifeline. Key Research Findings. Our effectiveness in preventing suicide ultimately depends on more fully understanding how and why suicide occurs. What we know about the causes of suicide lags far behind our knowledge of many other life-threatening illnesses and conditions.
In part, this is because the stigma surrounding suicide has limited society’s investment in suicide research. Over the last 25 years, however, we have begun to uncover and understand the complex range of factors that contribute to suicide. Summarized below are findings from research studies that have especially contributed to our current understanding of suicide.
Mental Disorders While nearly all mental disorders have the potential to increase the risk for suicide, studies show that the most common disorders among people who die by suicide are major depression and other mood disorders, and substance use disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders (Bertolote & Fleischmann, 2002). Previous Suicide Attempt Family History of Suicide Suicide Contagion. Clinicians | Means Matter | Harvard School of Public Health.