Does Every Allusion to Possible Suicide Require the Same Response? A Structured Method for Assessing and Managing Risk

This article presents a method for physicians to assess & manage suicide risk. The severity of suicide ideation is associated with suicide risk. In this model, its assessment proceeds sequentially from passive to active suicide ideation, to a specific detailed plan, including intention to harm oneself, reasons for living, & impulse control. Primary care patients at mild to moderate risk can be effectively treated in primary care settings; however, patients at high risk should be referred to mental health specialists given their need for intensive treatments & frequent monitoring. (49 refs.)