Recognising suicidality: General practitioner training and education

The prevention of suicide is partially dependent on the ability to identify individuals and populations at high risk and to offer effective interventions. General practitioners (GPs) are in an ideal position to play a significant role in the detection of suicidality, and therefore to assist in the prevention of suicide. However, many suicidal individuals who attend GP practices remain undetected. Evaluations of the suicide awareness, education and training programs developed for GPs show that they are associated with improvements in the recognition of suicidal ideation, reduced suicide rates, and in the assessment and management of mental health more generally. Key factors for efficacious training programs have been identified. Training should also be extended to meet differential needs of minority populations at disproportionately high suicide risk (e.g., same-sex attracted). Sensitivity towards diversity and minority group stressors can gainfully inform and refine generalist models for training programs.