Citation

Callender JS, Eagles JM. Adv. Psychiatr. Treat. 2009; 15(1): 17-22.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/apt.bp.108.005512

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Procedures following suicide differ in Scotland from elsewhere in the UK and we describe the investigation of deaths by procurators fiscal and fatal accident inquiries that may ensue. Higher Scottish suicide rates, and possible reasons for these, are mentioned. Suicide risk cannot be accurately quantified in individual patients but psychiatrists should take the view that good management can collectively reduce the risk among all patients. We comment on practical and emotional issues for clinicians who are coping with the suicide of a patient.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; incidence; preventive medicine; alcoholism; United Kingdom; depression; cause of death; lithium; suicidal behavior; risk assessment; clozapine; antidepressant agent; disease association; psychiatrist; medicolegal aspect; mental health service; note; coping behavior; expert witness; physician attitude; root cause analysis; legal procedure