Madam, - Your Editorial on suicidal behaviour in modern Ireland (January 28th) is welcome. Through greater public awareness will come the demand for answers. Your call for research is also insightful and essential if a greater understanding of the suicide surge problem is to emerge.
The social research you call for is likely to only provide part of the solution. Let's not forget the biological vulnerability of the young adult male brain to modern stresses (and chemicals) with the decline of external socio-cultural and religious protective factors.
On-going biological and psychological (in addition to social) research in young people will significantly enhance our understanding of suicidal behaviours and will more than likely pave the way for successful intervention programmes.
After all, suicidal depression is a treatable condition. Ireland is just way behind the curve in terms of dedicated service development for it. - Yours, etc.,
Prof KEVIN M. MALONE, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, St Vincent's University Hospital,Dublin 4.