Commentary: When the Cameras Disappear: Acute Stress and Suicide

Gradus et al.1 need to be complimented for studying the effects of acute stress reaction on completed suicide. This has not been studied previously and highlights the enduring medium to long-term psychological effects of acute traumatic events on individuals. Suicide may be the most extreme form of behaviour seen as a result of the acute trauma but there are a range of other psychological symptoms and reactions, ranging from fearfulness, insomnia, poor concentration, disturbed interpersonal relationships and domestic violence, to psychiatric syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, substance abuse and psychotic disorders, that a vulnerable individual can end up with. These can have devastating effect not only for the individual but also for his/her family as well.