T. Dierks. Bern, Switzerland

O. Pogarell. University of Munich Psychiatry, Munich, Germany

C. Mulert. Dept, of Psychiatry, Universit, Munich, Germany

S. Galderisi. Department of Psychiatry, Univ, Napoli, Italy A.

Mucci, U. Volpe, E. Merlotti, M. Maj. U. Hegerl. Psychiatrische Klinik der Ludw, München, Germany

Suicide prevention has become increasingly important in the area of public health. Programs in many European countries have been started in order to reduce suicide rates. There is, however, only few evidence for the efficacy of prevention activities. Psychological autopsy studies showed that depression is one of the main causes of suicidality. However, only a minority of the people suffering from depression receive antidepressive treatment that corresponds to the criteria of an evidence based medicine. Better screening for depression in primary care and increased awareness towards suicidality are necessary steps for successful prevention. The goal of this symposium is the presentation of several approaches of recently finished, ongoing and planned programs in different countries. Strategies, implementation and outcome will be presented and discussed. A major target will be to specify how future antidepressive and suicide-preventative campaigns should be designed.