The clinical and economic studies of suicidal behavior

Suicidal behavior (SB) is a significant public health problem, representing a major burden in terms of morbidity to the individual and health-service utilization. It is important to demonstrate that SB is the cause of substantial economic losses in a societal perspective and to develop preventive measures with a high population impact. Major cost savings may be achieved by targeting the prevention of suicide. Little is known about the cost-effectiveness of suicide prevention programs and interventions. Future studies on the cost-effectiveness of suicide prevention interventions should be conducted. Addressing suicide requires a multifactorial approach involving communities, workplaces, schools, and the health sector (e.g., General hospital services).