Suicide: Risk Factors and Therapeutic Considerations in the Emergency Department

Emergency physicians often encounter covertly & overtly suicidal patients, & can thus play a key role in the prevention of suicide. The epidemiology & diverse presentations of suicidal behaviour are reviewed. The authors then provide a detailed approach to the assessment of suicide risk, & criteria for safe discharge from the emergency department. Finally, management considerations for the emergency department are discussed. (75 refs.)