Citation

Meichenbaum D. Can. Psychol. 2005; 46(2): 64-72.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher University of Manitoba)

DOI

10.1037/h0087006

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Following a personal description of several patients who have committed suicide in my clinical practice and consultation, I summarize the literature on risk assessment for suicide. The form adopted is a set of specific questions that a knowledgeable clinical supervisor might use to help a clinical team examine their clinical decision-making and determine practical guidelines in caring for a suicidal patient. The factors covered include suicidal risk assessment, presence of comorbid and protective factors, immediate emergency interventions on both an outpatient and inpatient basis, and possible short-term and long-term interventions. The training and practical clinical implications of following these guidelines are considered. The checklist, in the form of probing questions, is not intended to foster an adversarial process, but rather to provide a framework in evaluating the assessment and care of suicidal individuals.

Language: en