Issue 1/2025
Nikolova, T. Dimitrova, M., Dilkov, D.
Psychiatry Clinic, Military Medical Academy – Sofia
Suicide prevention represents a difficult challenge, suicidal phenomenon being induced by multiple factors. With a world-wide prevalence of 11.4 per 100,000 persons per year, in Bulgaria suicide has prevalence of 10.8% of all deaths. Strategies for prevention of suicide include mental health policies, greater accessibility to mental health care, restriction of access to means or medications commonly used in suicide, media interventions to reduce stigma toward mental disorders and to raise awareness about mental health and suicide. Suicide prevention represents a worldwide difficult challenge for any of society and for any countries including Bulgaria. The suicidal phenomenon is not a disease induced by precise pathophysiological mechanisms, we must focus on preventing and diminishing the risk factors, out of them the social risk factors are the ones that can be reduced only through strong state policies. General practitioners have an important role in recognizing these types of conditions and referring patients to specialized medical care.
Key words: suicidal behavior, mental health, prevention strategy, risk assessment
Address for correspondence:
Dr. Teodora Nikolova Military Medical Academy, Sofia,
Psychiatry Clinic
3 „Georgi Sofiyski“ Str.
1606, Sofia