Application of the APA Practice Guidelines on Suicide to Clinical Practice

This article presents charts & a summary of the assessment information that can be used in routine clinical practice. 4 steps in the assessment process are presented: the use of a thorough psychiatric examination to obtain information about the patientÕs current presentation, history, diagnosis, & to recognize suicide risk factors; the necessity of asking specific questions about suicidal ideation, intent, plans, & attempts; the process of making an estimation of the patientÕs level of suicide risk; & the use of protective factors as the basis for treatment planning is demonstrated. (1 ref)