Is Hospitalization Useful for Suicidal Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder?

This article examines the value of hospitalization for chronically suicidal patients with borderline personality disorder. One in 10 of these patients will eventually die by suicide. However, this outcome is not readily predictable. Hospitalization is of unproven value for suicide prevention & can often produce negative effects. Day treatment is an evidence-based alternative to full admission. Chronic suicidality can best be managed in an outpatient setting. (39 refs.) JA