Treatment of the Suicidal Patient With Psychotropic Drugs and ECT (IN: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Suicide Assessment and Intervention, edited by D G Jacobs)

Dr Salzman discusses the use of psychotropic drugs and shock therapy in treating suicidal patients. He explores the use of various medications such as tricyclic anti-depressants and serotonin inhibitors, and describes the chemical makeup of suicide victims at the time of death. Salzman says the exact benefits of medication and therapy treatments are still unknown. Also included are brief descrptions of contributing chemical illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and mania.