Psychiatric Malpractice: Liability for Suicide and Attempted Self-Destruction

The general public has become more aware of psychiatric problems & are therefore more willing to discuss them with their general practitioner. Primary physicians have also changed their perceptions of mental disorders & are now more able to detect these problems & to intervene before a crisis occurs. Both general practitioners & psychiatrists encounter suicidal patients & are therefore vulnerable to malparactice lawsuits. 66 ref.