Assessing Suicide Threat

Assessing Suicide Threat Overview
Many providers feel inadequate and uncomfortable dealing with a patient who is having suicidal thoughts. There are many powerful myths surrounding suicide that are believed both by the general public as well as healthcare providers. The most powerful and common misperception is that it is harmful to discuss suicide with a patient. This belief is inaccurate—discussing suicide with a patient is acceptable and helpful. Other myths related to suicide include:

•  A person who talks about it will not do it.
•  Only psychotic people commit suicide.
•  A failed attempt should be treated as manipulative behavior.
•  There's nothing we can do about suicide, so why ask?

This section will provide you with reading materials that will help you learn about the real symptoms and risks associated with suicide.

Depressive symptoms often cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Depression can become severe, and thoughts of suicide are not uncommon. While mild depression warrants treatment, severe depression requires early and aggressive intervention and may necessitate referral for specialty care. Clinicians should be comfortable with assessing the impact of depressive symptoms on patients' functioning and with asking about suicidal thoughts. In addition to a thorough assessment of severity, proper plans for suicidal patients are important. This may include a plan for referral, numbers to call, and a well-practiced clinic protocol.