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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Suicide | Research article

Effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved through suicide: a systematic review of controlled studies of grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcomes

Authors: Karl Andriessen, Karolina Krysinska, Nicole T. M. Hill, Lennart Reifels, Jo Robinson, Nicola Reavley, Jane Pirkis

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Suicide bereavement is a risk factor for adverse outcomes related to grief, social functioning, mental health and suicidal behaviour. Consequently, suicide bereavement support (i.e., postvention) has been identified as an important suicide prevention strategy. However, little is known about its effectiveness. To redress this gap, this review aimed to assess the evidence of effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved by suicide, and appraise the quality of the research in this field.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches of peer-reviewed literature in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and EBM Reviews identified 12 papers reporting on 11 relevant studies conducted between 1984 and 2018.

Results

Across studies, there was a wide variety of intervention modalities, study populations, control groups, and grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcome measures. Overall, the quality of studies was weak. While there was some evidence of the effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated grief, evidence of the effectiveness of complicated grief interventions was lacking. Based on this scant evidence, interventions which seem to show promise include supportive, therapeutic and educational approaches, involve the social environment of the bereaved, and comprise a series of sessions led by trained facilitators.

Conclusions

There is a clear need for additional methodologically sound studies in this area. Specifically, selection procedures, sample sizes, randomization, and the use of appropriate measures are crucial. As people bereaved by suicide are at-risk of adverse grief, mental ill-health and suicidal behaviour, further research across the life-span is essential to prevent grief and mental health ramifications.

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Title: Effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved through suicide: a systematic review of controlled studies of grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcomes
Authors: Karl Andriessen
Karolina Krysinska
Nicole T. M. Hill
Lennart Reifels
Jo Robinson
Nicola Reavley
Jane Pirkis
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2020-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Effectiveness of interventions for people bereaved through suicide: a systematic review of controlled studies of grief, psychosocial and suicide-related outcomes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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