Year: 1990 Source: Philadelphia, PA: The Charles Press, 1990. p.168-181 SIEC No: 19950393

The best predictor of suicidal behavior is previous suicide attempts. Patients who have attempted suicide must receive sufficient care to reduce immediate & long term risk of further suicide behavior. Postdischarge after-care of patients is a problem as only 30-40% of patients make use of after-care opportunities & only about 12% of suicide attempters are transferred to psychiatric hospitals. Unfavorable mood states could serve as an aid in the diagnosis of imminent suicidal behavior.