Book excerpt: Recent research in the area of suicidology has provided significant new insights in the epidemiological,psychopathological,and biological characteristics of suicidal behaviour. The International Handbook of Suicide and Attempted Suicide is the first book to bring together this expertise and translate it into practical guidelines for those responsible for policy issues and for those involved in the treatment and prevention of suicidal behaviour. Leading international authorities provide a truly comprehensive and research-based reference to understanding, treating, and preventing suicidal behaviour. They explore concepts and theories which best guide work within this field and detail key research which has supported conceptual developments, preventive interventions and clinical treatment. "No self-respecting worker in deliberate self-harm and suicide prevention, either clinical or research, can afford to be without access to this comprehensive handbook - possession and regular use, may well become a marker of serious involvement in the subject! ...This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date, informative and well-written source of information on sucide and suicidal behaviour...an invaluable work of reference which will be essential for clinicians and researchers for many years to come." —Andrew Sims, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK - British Journal of Psychiatry