Erwin Ringel



Erwin Ringel (27 April 1921 – 28 July 1994) was an Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist who dedicated his life to suicide prevention and who, in 1960, defined the presuicidal syndrome.

In 1960 he founded the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Childhood and early Life
Erwin Ringel was born in Timișoara, Romania to a Banat Swabian family, nonetheless his parents already lived in Hollabrunn, Austria.

In 1926 his family moved to Vienna which gave young Erwin the opportunity to visit Vienna's famous Operahouse and Burgtheater.

Honours and awards

 * 1961: Karl Renner Vienna's prize for achievement in suicide prevention
 * 1985: Honorary President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention
 * 1986: Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, 1st class
 * 1986: Gold Medal for services to the City of Vienna
 * 1988: Hans-Prinzhorn Medal