Ad Kerkhof

A repetition–prediction study of European parasuicide populations: a summary of the first report from Part II of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Parasuicide in co‐operation with the EC Concerted Action on Attempted Suicide

One of the aims of the European Study on Parasuicide, which was initiated by the Regional Office for the European Region of the World Health Organization in the mid‐1980s, was to try to identify social and personal characteristics that are predictive of future suicidal behaviour. A follow‐up interview study (the Repetition‐Prediction Study) was designed, and to date 1145 first‐wave interviews have been conducted at nine research centres, representing seven European countries. The present paper provides an abridged version of the first report from the study. The design and the instrument used (The European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedules, EPSIS I and II) are described. Some basic characteristics of the samples from the various centres, such as sex, age, method of suicide attempt, and history of previous attempts, are presented and compared. The male/female sex ratio ranged from 0.41 to 0.85; the mean age range for men was 33–45 years and that for women was 29–45 years. At all of the centres, self‐poisoning was the most frequently employed method. On average, more than 50% of all respondents had attempted suicide at least once previously. The representativeness of the samples is discussed. There were differences between the centres in several respects, and also in some cases the representativeness of the different samples varied. Results obtained from analyses based on pooled data should therefore be treated with caution.

A repetition-prediction study on European parasuicide populations. Part II of the WHO/Euro Multicentre Study on Parasuicide in cooperation with the EC Concerted Action on Attempted Suicide.

One of the aims of the inter-European study on parasuicide, which was initiated by WHO/Euro in the mid-1980s, was to try and identify social and personal characteristics predictive of future suicidal behavior. A follow-up interview study (the Repetition-Prediction Study) was designed, and so far 1145 interviews have been carried out at nine research centers, representing seven European countries. The study and the instrument used (the European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedules, EPSIS I and II) are described here. Some basic characteristics of the material from the various centers are presented and compared, and the representativeness of the samples are discussed. There were differences between the centers in several respects. Results from analyses based on pooled data have to be treated with some caution because of the possible lack of representativeness.

Platelet serotonin and [3H]paroxetine binding correlate with recurrence of suicidal behavior.

Abstract To distinguish state-from trait-dependent associations between serotonergic function and suicidal behavior, platelet serotonergic measures were repeatedly measured, during a 1-year follow-up, in 106 patients who had recently attempted suicide for at least a second time. A major DSM-III-R axis I diagnosis or use of antidepressants were reasons for exclusion. A higher affinity constant (KD) of platelet [3H]paroxetine binding was related to a higher risk of short-term recurrence of a suicide attempt, suggesting a state relationship. Higher levels of platelet serotonin at baseline were a significant predictor of a recurrent suicide attempt within the year of follow-up, suggesting a trait relationship. These associations held equally within the subgroup of 73 patients with a borderline personality disorder. Neither the maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) of [3H]paroxetine nor platelet monoamine oxidase activity correlated with suicidality. The observed association between indicators of platelet serotonin uptake and suicidal behavior suggests a state-and trait-dependency between suicidality and central serotonergic dysfunction.

The WHO-EURO Multicentre Study: Risk of Parasuicide and the Comparability of the Areas Under Study

The 15 areas under study in the WHO/Euro Multicentre Study on Parasuicide vary considerably with regard to socio-economic factors, culture, life-styles, etc. In this paper, the authors discuss whether the traditional high risk factors for suicidal behavior (such as unemployment, abuse, divorce, etc.) take on different weights depending on local societal and cultural settings. Results from analyzing covariations between various background factors characteristic of the different areas under study and the frequency of attempted suicide showed weak or insignificant correlations, indicating that high-risk factors can only be identified from international pooled data with great care.

Treatment in Police Custody Organizational Characteristics and Performance of Custodial Divisions in Dutch Police Organizations

This study examined the quality of treatment provided to people in custody in 60 Dutch police organizations and the organizational characteristics affecting the quality of treatment. None of the police organizations were found to follow all of the governmental laws and regulations concerning the treatment of people in police custody. In addition, although most of the organizations fulfilled the bulk of the criteria for good treatment supported by public opinion, some organizations provided poor treatment to detained persons. The chances of good treatment were found to be highest in police organizations with a high degree of specialization and standardization.

Health psychology in international perspective: A summary and some thoughts for the future

Abstract This article reviews the progress made by the field in its short history and attempts to look at developments which seem likely to occur as the field matures. Recommendations are made for training of health psychologists in the future and a plea is made for international standardisation of health psychology training programmes at the Ph.D. level which incorporate research and clinical training. Health psychologists are further encouraged to take a more active public and political role in order to provide needed visibility for their work.

Training in health psychology: An international look

Abstract With the progression of health psychology as a new field in psychology specific training programs are more and more needed. A survey of the training situation of health psychology in Northern America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand highlighted a lack of formalized training programs in most countries except the United States and Canada, as well as an enormous variety between countries on standards of training, and on the differentiation of health psychologists from clinical psychologists. For the qualification of health psychology as an independent psychological discipline a plea is made for international standardization of quality control and suggestions for the content of formalized training programs in health psychology are given.