Managing Suicide Attempts: Guidelines for the Primary Care Physician

This article reviews guidelines for primary care physicians for evaluating suicide risk. The importance of the patient-physician relationship is noted, particularly in regard to preventing future suicide attempts. The bulk of this article describes the formulation of a comprehensive plan to manage the patient who has attempted suicide, including: stabilization & safety; patient history; & the mental status & physical examination. Information is also provided on managing continuity patients who have attempted suicide. (30 refs.)