Citation

Bisconer SW, Gross DM. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 2007; 38(2): 143-149.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0735-7028.38.2.143

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Assessment of suicide risk is a serious responsibility of psychologists. Best practice instructs use of a standardized instrument and clinical interview to evaluate suicide risk. Six instruments used to assess suicide behavior and symptoms of anxiety and depression were examined. The sample was adults receiving acute psychiatric treatment in a public hospital. The study consisted of 2 groups: 25 patients admitted for suicidal behavior and 42 patients admitted for other reasons. Analyses were conducted to discriminate between the 2 groups on study instruments. No single instrument predicted suicide risk without significant error. Standardized assessments must be used as part of a structured clinical interview. Suicide risk should be assessed with all people admitted to the hospital regardless of admissions criteria. Copyright 2007 by the American Psyxhological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Suicide risk; Suicide assessment; Acute psychiatric inpatient; Standardized assessment; Structured clinical interviews