Treatment of the Suicidal Patient (IN: Psychiatric Treatment Crisis/Clinic/Consultation, ed. by C P Rosenbaum and J E Beebe)

Presents a detailed discussion of the complexities involved in treating suicidal patients. The therapist must be actively & vitally involved with the patient & should include members of the patient’s ecological group in the treatment process. The importance of the initial interview is emphasized, & the decision to hospitalize is explored. Therapeutic strategies include drug therapy, ECT, & various psychotherapeutic approaches. Therapists are cautioned to watch for countertransferance problems.