Citation

Peteet JR, Maytal G, Rokni H. Psychosomatics 2010; 51(2): 166-170.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.psy.51.2.166

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Family members of patients with cancer may reveal to the medical team that they are considering suicide after their loved one dies. No literature is available indicating how to assess risk and to intervene with these individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe various alerting signs and seek to improve awareness and approaches to suicide prevention.

METHOD: The authors present five cases of potential contingent suicide.

RESULTS: Family members struggling with anticipatory grief challenge the clinical team at several points of decision-making.

CONCLUSION: Close coordination among members of the patient's treatment team and psychiatric consultants is crucial for helping vulnerable family members move safely into adequately supported bereavement. © 2010 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Language: en

Keywords

human; female; male; suicidal ideation; article; clinical article; medical decision making; cancer patient; family attitude; anticipatory grief