Book Review-The Suicidal Patient: Clinical and Legal Standards of Care, 2nd ed., by B Bongar

The book begins with a chapter on empirical evidence regarding the causes of suicide. Chapter 2 examines the care of the suicidal patient from the legal perspective. Chapter 3 is devoted to the assessment of suicide risk. Chapter 4 is full of practical advice. Chapter 5 discusses the inpatient management of the suicidal patient. Chapter 6 reviews risk management strategies when caring for high-risk patients. The appendixes to the book are extremely useful. Overall, Dr. Bongar gave practical & straightforward advice but some sections were found to be lacking key references. (LC) (3 refs)