Citation

Fawcett J. Psychiatr. Ann. 2007; 37(10): 667-671.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Healio)

DOI

10.3928/00485713-20071001-03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The prediction of suicide in time to prevent this outcome remains an unsolved problem for clinicians. Foreseeing the likelihood of suicide is possibly based on knowledge of the patient's clinical status, a careful suicide assessment, and past behavior. However, being able to determine when the risk is immediate and when intervention is necessary remains a major unsolved problem for the clinician, often leaving this determination a difficult judgment call. Data presented suggesting that severe anxiety/agitation and severe insomnia symptoms can be acute precursors of suicide in mood disorder patients may extend the clinician's capacity to intervene to prevent suicide. The data review also raises the likelihood that a more focused treatment of comorbid anxiety symptoms in mood disorder patients may reduce the risk of suicide and suicidal behaviors. A study addressing this question might make a significant contribution to the reduction of suicidal behavior in patients with mood disorder. It is hoped that the observations reported in this discussion will help the clinician in the difficult task of preventing suicide and suicidal behavior in patients with mood disorders.

Language: en