Substance Abuse and Suicidal Behavior in Managed Care (IN: Treatment of Suicidal Patients in Managed Care, ed. by J M Ellison)

In this chapter, the author explores the relationship between substance abuse & suicide, suggesting that managed behavioural health care organizations are advantageously structured to screen populations for both substance abuse & depression in the context of medical, pediatric, & obstetrical visits. He addresses the problem of suicide assessments of intoxicated alcoholic & drug-addicted individuals & highlights the need to detain patients for reevaluation until they are sober. He also undertakes a discussion of the role of case managers in providing continuity of care in a disorder known to be chronic & relapsing. (22 refs)