Citation

Obegi JH, Rankin JM, Williams JC, Ninivaggio G. Curr. Psychiatr. 2015; 14(3): 50-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Frontline Medical Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicidologists and legal experts implore clinicians to document their suicide risk assessments (SRAs) thoroughly. It's difficult, however, to find practical guid­ance on how to write a clinically sound, legally defensible SRA.

The crux of every SRA is written justifica­tion of suicide risk. That justification should reveal your thinking and present a well-reasoned basis for your decision.

Reasoned vs right
It's more important to provide a justifica­tion of suicide risk that's well-reasoned rather than one that's right. Suicide is impossible to predict. Instead of predic­tion, legally we are asked to reasonably anticipate suicide based on clinical facts. In hindsight, especially in the context of a courtroom, decisions might look ill-considered. You need to craft a logical argu­ment, be clear, and avoid jargon...

Language: en