Managing suicidal emergencies: Recommendations for the practitioner

Author(s): Deleppo, J. D., Gallagher, P. L., Niles, B. L.

Journal/Book: Prof Psychol Res Pract. 1999; 30: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc. 454-463.

Abstract: All practicing psychologists with an active caseload occasionally encounter a patient or client whom they consider to be a suicidal emergency. Few psychologists, however, have had education or training focused on managing such cases. The current article conceptualizes what a ''behavioral emergency'' is, gives recommendations for containing the emergency client's emotional turmoil, and sets forth an evidence-based approach, using diagnosis-specific risk factors, for improving the clinician's ability to estimate suicide risk. Recommendations are also given for appropriate responses to the patient or client on the basis of the level of estimated risk. Having such an algorithm or plan for dealing with the suicidal client is essential to good practice.

Note: Article Kleespies PM, VA Med Ctr, Psychiat Serv 116B, Boston Dept, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston,MA 02130 USA

Keyword(s): POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER; SAN-DIEGO SUICIDE; RISK-FACTORS; PERSONALITY-DISORDERS; PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS; COMPLETED SUICIDE; VIETNAM VETERANS; BEHAVIOR; YOUNG; SCHIZOPHRENIA

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