Researchers found a lifetime prevalence of 11.7% for suicide ideation and 4.1% for attempts among blacks in the United States, categorized as African Americans and Caribbean Americans, a rate significantly higher than previous reports for this population have indicated. The authors suggested that physicians, particularly primary care physicians, have an important role to play in the prevention of suicide among black patients, given that a majority of attempters sought care from a health professional for their emotional problems. Study results should influence clinicians with regard to talking with black patients about the risk for suicide, providing interventions for those at imminent risk for suicidal behavior, and referring patients for expert assessment and treatment.
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