Integrating International Research for Suicide Prevention

The Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychopathology at UCM, along with the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, participated in the panel presentations at one of the most recognized and relevant international research conferences on the prevention of suicidal behavior.

Mental health, suicidal behavior, and non-suicidal self-injury gained special visibility at the 20th edition of the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB), which took place from August 28 to 31, 2024, in Italy's capital. Rome, the “eternal city,” hosted this biennial conference, bringing together academics, health professionals, interest groups, volunteers, and individuals with lived experiences in a common space where research and practice converged in reflection and the pursuit of joint solutions.

For four days, ESSSB20 provided the ideal backdrop for the exchange of knowledge, shared experiences, and the promotion of innovative proposals for the prevention of suicidal behavior, featuring a wide range of discussion panels, posters, and plenary sessions led by international experts in the field of mental health (Rory O’Connor ; Diana Clarke; Diego de Leo, and Stephen Platt, among others).

The leading role was taken by clinical treatment; the internet and media; socio-economic, cultural, and psychosocial factors; vulnerable and at-risk groups.

Representing the EPISAM Research Group of UCM and the SURVIVE project, Professor Alejandro de la Torre-Luque and PhD students Wala Ayad-Ahmed, Adriana García-Ramos, and Anna Pedrola-Pons shared results on the epidemiology of suicidal behavior

Suicide transcends public health, and the guidelines are clear on the need to incorporate those social determinants that are often invisible and to increase the methodological reliability of interventions. The human experience remains among the most relevant aspects in the common commitment to prevent suicidal behavior.

Let's continue learning together at the next congress in 2026!