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Suicide Prevention or Risk Management: A Necessary Shift in Perspective
by Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA.
Dear Esteemed Readers,
The alarming prevalence of suicide in the modern era underscores our failure to adequately address the issue. A moribund adherence to “suicide prevention” has done little to stem the tide of death, as evidenced by stagnant suicide rates across the USA and beyond.
Clearly, a new approach is needed; one that stands firmly against this insidious epidemic, rather than meekly attempting to control it. We must consider how to transition into an era of “suicide risk management,” where advanced tools measure predictive factors alongside risk factors in order to comprehensively target those at greatest risk.
A Critical Analysis of the Current Paradigm
+In order to effectively reduce suicide rates, we must look beyond traditional prevention strategies and evaluate the current framework in greater detail. To assess the efficacy of current approaches, a critical analysis of both risk and predictive factors must be undertaken.
Only then can innovative measures be developed with a true focus on risk management, thereby mitigating potential risks before they lead to irreparable outcomes.