"SUICIDIO" ("SUICIDE")
by S. De Risio & M. Sarchiapone

Edizioni Masson, Milan, 200 pages, price €22,00.


Although the international literature abounds in works on suicidal behaviour, few volumes meet the criteria of a true compendium in this fascinating but complex research area.

Edited by De Risio and Sarchiapone, this book is one of the most comprehensive texts published to date in Italy by reason both of the versatility of the topics selected for inclusion and the wealth of ideas it offers clinicians and researchers alike.

What strikes the reader is the completeness of the areas covered (despite a certain biological predominance), the extensive, carefully selected bibliographical material, and the expertise of the various authors, all national leaders in their field and some recognized internationally.

The volume includes original, highly absorbing chapters on genetic studies, communication and anticommunication in suicidal behaviour, abusive behaviours and suicide, and on management, assessment and treatment protocols for suicidal patients, making it extremely interesting reading. The book is also a pretext for highlighting the dynamic nature of suicide research among Italians, who have nothing to envy their international colleagues.

The only two criticisms that can be addressed to this volume are the lack of a chapter on pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management of patients, although many references are made to the development of care programmes for such patients. The second criticism is the decision not to translate the book into English, considering the completeness and originality of the topics covered and the scientific prowess of the authors of the various chapters, undoubtedly making this volume "appealing" to a wider public.

Giuseppe Borgherini