Calculated Risk Taking in the Treatment of Suicidal Patients: Ethical and Legal Problems

Psychiatrists feel pressured to discharge suicidal patients because of economic factors. This article discusses case examples & risk management questions. It concludes that when benefits of discharge outweigh risks of continued inpatient confinement, it is both ethically & legally prudent to discharge patients with chronic suicidal character problems. Careful preparation of the patient & family, & meticulous documentation are essential in the event of future suicide & legal action. (24 Refs.)