Recognizing Suicide Potential in Women: When to Suspect, how to Screen, What to do

In order to improve detection & intervention by primary care physicians, the authors review the epidemiology of female suicide, identify risk factors, highlight the attributes of potentially suicidal female patients, & discuss the link between depression & suicide in women. They also outline the appropriate context & content of effective suicide inquiries for patients suspected of being suicidal, & highlight the correct procedures for treating those identified as such. (35 refs)