The first suicide prevention center in the world opened in Vienna in 1948 under the leadership of Erwin Ringel. This event marked a shift in psychiatric practice, moving from theoretical discourse toward active clinical intervention. Throughout his career, Ringel focused on identifying the specific markers of self-harm, fundamentally altering how medical professionals approach the critical moments preceding a suicide attempt.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1921 in Timișoara, Ringel relocated with his family to Vienna in 1926. His formal academic training took place at the Akademisches Gymnasium. By 1939, he faced arrest by the Gestapo before serving in the medical corps of the German army, an engagement that concluded following a medical discharge. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Vienna, graduating with a medical degree in 1946 before specializing in neurology, psychology, and psychiatry.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Advancement in Suicide Prevention
Ringel institutionalized the study of self-destruction. Beyond establishing the initial suicide prevention facility in 1948, he founded the International Association for Suicide Prevention in 1960. That same year, he published his definition of the presuicidal syndrome, a clinical framework for assessing risk. His influence expanded through his role as the Honorary President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention beginning in 1985.
Clinical Research and Academic Tenure
In 1954, Ringel introduced Austria's first psychosomatic ward. His academic contributions included a professorship in Medical Psychology at the University of Vienna from 1981 to 1991 and the authorship of over 600 articles. His 1984 book, The Austrian Soul, achieved commercial success as a bestseller. Additionally, he co-founded the Austrian Society for Clinical Psychosomatic Medicine in 1978.
Awards and Final Years
Ringel received numerous accolades, including the 1961 Karl Renner Vienna prize, the 1986 Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, and the 1988 Hans-Prinzhorn Medal. In 1994, he received the City of Vienna award for medicine and the Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the State of Vienna. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his later years, he died from a heart attack in Bad Kleinkirchheim on 28 July 1994 and was buried at the Vienna Central Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, Timișoara
- Died: 1994, Bad Kleinkirchheim
- Education: Akademisches Gymnasium; University of Vienna
- Key focus: Suicide prevention
- Major work: The Austrian Soul (1984)
- Professional roles: Psychiatrist, neurologist, university teacher, psychotherapist
- Burial site: Vienna Central Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What medical condition did Erwin Ringel develop later in life?
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
What is the Ringel Service Award?
It is an award created in his honour.
.jpg)