Every year, world-wide, an estimated three-quarters of a million people take their own life, making suicide and attempted suicide problems of major concern. This book presents the issues related to this growing problem. It considers the range of factors which may underlie the suicide attempt, including social and cultural circumstances, psychological disorders and somatic conditions. Methods of evaluating the suicide risk are discussed, and psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches to treatment are presented. The consequences of suicide for the survivor are exemplified by Professor Retterstøl's own experiences of follow-up. This is a sensitive and enlightening account of the problem of suicide and attempted suicide in today's societies, from an international perspective and will be invaluable to clinicians and health-care professionals as well as to lay-people working with suicidal patients and their families.