A Synopsis of the Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Patients

The importance of the role of the primary care physician in detecting suicidal patients is discussed. Two case studies of suicidal patients are provided. A table lists sociodemographic & clinical risk factors (e.g. living alone, hoplessness, psychiatric disorders). The strongest predictor of suicide is psychiatric illness. Managing a suicidal patient can include hospitalization, involvement of family, removal of firearms, antidepressants & electroconvulsive therapy. (34 refs.)