An Overview and Synopsis of Risk Factors, Assessment, and Treatment of Suicidal Patients Over the Life Cycle (IN: Suicide Over the Life Cycle, ed. by S J Blumenthal and D J Kupfer)

This article emphasizes the importance of early detection & intervention by medical & mental health practitioners of those at risk for suicidal behavior. An epidemiology of suicide is presented, a well as theoretical models for understanding risk factors, including sociodemographic, psychiatric, psychosocial, genetic & biological variables. Clinical assessment & intervention strategies are also discussed. (VM)