Regional Differences in the Concept and Therapeutic Value of Yoga - an E-mail Survey

invariable in the latter group and they are at high risk for completed suicides. It is for these, treatment 'beyond crisis intervention' is necessary if preventive measures are to be successful (Litman,1970) Hence it is doubtful whether the centres have reached the 'high-risk' groups. 3. Suicide indeed is a complex and multidimensional problem needing multifaceted approach. No one denies the rote of and the need for crisis centres. However they form one in the multifaceted approach. Although it is claimed that suicides are prevented by "Preventive measures", it is also realised at the same time the prevented numbers' are not available for statistical analysis. 4. The difficulties become dear from the following references "evidence for effectiveness for clinical services in reducing suicide .... is almost totally lacking (Appleby, 1997)". Morgan (1997) has this to say : "we are certainly reminded constantly of our so-called failures, who continue to live with us in our memories and self-questioning. It is surely of the utmost importance that we rise willingly to the challenge of suicide prevention although at the same time acknowledging that the task is so complex, the causal factors so multiple, and the hazards of assessment so great, that even the highest standards of care can at times fail to prevent it. Yet in many instances I believe that we probably do succeed. What do I consider to be the elements of effective clinical care? I have dwelt a great deal on how complex the clinical task of suicide prevention can be, yet my conviction remains that provided we equip ourselves with the necessary basic clinical skills and apply them with confidence without loss of hope ourselves we can indeed be of great help in preventing some of our patients from killing themselves. At the present stage in our understanding, the end result of suicide is a complex one influenced by many factors beyond our control as clinicians. Perhaps our most appropriate approach should be to refine and evaluate our basic clinical skills. Suicide rates might well then look after themselves". 5.1 undertook the step in initiating the First Suicide Prevention Clinic in India in Government Erskine Hospital, Madurai in 1973 with good wishes from Drs. Ringel, Stengel, Farberow and others (reported in VITA, Official News Letter for International Association for Suicide Prevention) The impact of the institition ot special Central Detoxicauon a^d Resuscitation Unit in the hospital on suicide rates …