Year: 1998 Source: Journal of Practical Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, v.4, no.5, (September 1998), p.316-318 SIEC No: 19990313

In this article, Reid criticizes doctor reliance on “no suicide/no violence” contracts, which have become standard in dealing with suicidal patients. Reid relates four case studies where patients contracted to stay safe, then completed suicide after. Although contracting does work in some cases, Reid says those in a suicidal state may not hold such a contract when they feel that life has become unbearable. Therefore, clinicians must ensure that other intervention measures are taken.