A new standard of medical care "Suicidal Behavior" (MoH order No. 546 dated 24.04.2026) and the corresponding evidence-based clinical guideline have been approved in Ukraine.
In the context of a full-scale war, the provision of care to persons with suicidal intentions is of particular importance. The rising rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depressive states, loss of relatives and loved ones – all of this increases the risks of suicidal behavior and requires a systemic response from the healthcare system.
According to the definition of the World Health Organization, suicidal behavior includes suicidal thoughts, intentions, plans, suicide attempts and completed suicides. The new standard provides for the introduction of a comprehensive approach to prevention, early detection and provision of care to such patients.
The standard defines:
- the organization of medical care for persons with suicidal behavior;
- approaches to comprehensive assessment of patients' condition;
- the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods;
- specifics of assessment and care for children and adolescents.
Particular attention is paid to creating a support system not only for patients but also for members of their close circle, which is an important element of relapse prevention.
The standard is based on the clinical guideline "Suicidal Behaviour", adapted to the healthcare system of Ukraine on the basis of international evidence-based sources, in particular NICE, VA/DoD and mhGAP recommendations.
Specialists of the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine took part in the development of the standard and the clinical guideline, ensuring their compliance with the principles of evidence-based medicine and current international approaches.
The documents are intended for a wide range of healthcare professionals, in particular primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists and other specialists involved in the provision of mental health care.
The text of the standard and the clinical guideline can be found in the Register of Medical Technological Documents at the link https://www.dec.gov.ua/mtd/suyiczydalna-povedinka/
