Suicidality, Treatment of

Suicide refers to death caused by self-directed injurious behavior performed with the intent to die. Figures released by the Centers for Disease [Page 3404]Control and Prevention in 2014 identify suicide as the 10th leading cause of death, with more than 40,000 suicide deaths each year in the United States alone. The rate of suicide attempts (i.e., nonfatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior performed with at least some intent to die) is even higher, with 25 to 50 nonfatal suicide attempts made for every death by suicide. Greater still is the number of people who think about engaging in suicide-related behaviors, known as suicidal ideation. Given the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as the enduring public health significance of suicide, effective treatments targeting the ...