Which public health intervention has the strongest evidence for lowering population suicide rates?
- A Telephone helplines as the primary strategy
- B Mass media awareness campaigns alone
- C Restricting access to highly lethal methods of suicide ✓
- D Universal school-based screening without follow-up services
Correct answer: C. Restricting access to highly lethal methods of suicide
Explanation
Means restriction, such as pesticide regulation, barrier installation at jumping sites, and firearm control, has consistent evidence for reducing completed suicides because many attempts are impulsive and method substitution is incomplete. Helplines and media campaigns have weaker effect sizes, and screening without linked treatment services does not reduce deaths. In India, pesticide restriction and reduced access to organophosphates are cited examples.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 12th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.