Browsing by Author "Barros, Jorge"

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    Lithium in Drinking Water as a Public Policy for Suicide Prevention: Relevance and Considerations
    (2022) Araya, Pablo; Martinez, Camila; Barros, Jorge
    Although suicide is considered a major preventable cause of mortality worldwide, we do not have effective strategies to prevent it. Lithium has been consistently associated with lowering risk of suicide. This effect could occur at very low concentrations, such as trace doses of lithium in tap water. Several ecological studies and recent meta-analysis have suggested an inverse association between lithium in water and suicide in the general population, with a lack of knowledge of clinically significant side effects. This paper is aimed as a proposal to discuss the addition of lithium to drinking water to decrease the suicide rate. For this, we review the evidence available, use previous experiences, such as water fluoridation to prevent dental caries, and discuss the complexity involved in such a public policy. Considering the limited data available and the controversies contained in this proposal, we suggest that a consensus on lithium concentration in water is needed, where the suicide rates start to reduce, as happened with water fluoridation. This measure will require to develop community-controlled trials with strict monitoring of any side effects, where democratic procedures would constitute one of the most appropriate ways to validate its implementation according to the reality of each community.
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    Patients hospitalized with suicidal risk: How do they perceive the help received?
    (FUNDACION AIGLE, 2015) Morales, Susana; Echavarri, Orietta; Barros, Jorge; Fischman, Ronit; Zuloaga, Fabiola; Taylor, Tracy; Penaloza, Fernanda
    We present the perception of 10 patients hospitalized for attempted suicide/suicidal ideation, about the aid received during the period of their hospitalization. We used a qualitative technique through an interview performed one week after the medical discharge. The results show that patients evaluate favorably the aid received. They distinguish the technical and the relational aspects in the interactions both with professionals as well as with the other patients.
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    SELF-PERCEPTION OF SUICIDE RISK: QUALITATIVE STUDY OF INPATIENTS ADMITTED FOR SUICIDE IDEATION OR ATTEMPT
    (FUNDACION AIGLE, 2016) Morales, Susana; Echavarri, Orietta; Barros, Jorge; Zuloaga y Tracy Taylor, Fabiola
    To build a conceptual model to understand how patients perceived their suicide risk, a qualitative study was conducted. A clinical sample consisting of 20 patients, who were admitted to a psychiatric unit for suicide ideation or a suicide attempt, were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed through Grounded Theory Technique. The results highlight the individual perception of the own suicide risk as a process linking last year events to a more recent triggering event. Protective factors emphasizing quality bonds were also identified. The interview was perceived by the patients, as an intervention by itself in a moment of crisis, allowing them to elaborate on the psychological underpinnings of the suicide ideation. These findings might help to develop new hypothesis of suicide behavior, as well as guidance for quantitative studies.