The Psychiatrist’s Role, Responses, and Responsibilities When a Patient Commits Suicide

The authors review the relevant literature & use this as well as their own clinical experience to recommend specific interventions after a patient’s suicide. The psychiatrist has a leadership role & a number of reponsibilities in the aftermath of a suicide. Psychiatrists should also tend to their own needs by seeking support from colleagues. A psychological autopsy should be performed both to facilitate learning & to help bring about closure so that the care of other patients is not compromised.