Year: 1999 Source: Singapore Medical Journal, v.40, no.5, (May 1999), p.379-380 SIEC No: 20020479

Outlines how to assess suicidal risk through a thorough clinical evaluation of the individual patient. Clinicians are guided by general principles in the management of the suicidal patient. The most basic principle is that most suicide victims end their lives in the midst of a psychiatric episode & accurate diagnosis & careful management of the acute psychiatric illness could significantly alter the suicide risk. Other general principles include family involvement for support; treatment of any co-morbid medical condition; the provision of hope; & indications for psychiatric hospitalization. (5 refs)