Okay, now that we spoke with William, let's review. First, when speaking with patients about suicide, focus on the following skill elements from the Suicide Risk Assessment Checklist handout:

From the Suicide Assessment Checklist, we can determine that William has the following risk factors: history of depression, depression in his family, and substance use.

Although William has some risk factors for suicide including mild depressive symptons (BDI=16) and a family history of depression, he is currently denying suicidal ideation, plan or intent. However, he should be monitored for suicidal ideation and worsening depressive symptons during the course of interferon therapy. He should also be instructed to immediately contact the clinic or after hours personnel (urgent care) should he experience suicidal thoughts.