Psychiatric Emergencies

Abstract

SYNOPSIS The assessment of suicide risk is a daunting, but increasingly frequent task for the outpatient practitioner. Guidelines for depression screening identify more individuals at risk for treatment and mental health resources are not always easily accessible. For those patients identified as in need of a formal risk assessment, this article reviews established risk and protective factors for suicide and provides a framework for the assessment and management of individuals at risk of suicide. The assessment should be explicitly documented with a summary of the most relevant risk/protective factors for that individual with a focus on interventions that may mitigate risk such as means restriction, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for psychiatric disorders or substance use, hospitalization, and safety planning.

Violence against physicians in Jordan: An analytical cross-sectional study

“…The most serious consequences reported were difficulty in sleeping and suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation is considered a psychological emergency [ 45 ]. In a two-sided doctor-patient relationship, these ideations can be catastrophic [ 46 ].…”

The Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Productivity, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Economic Burden Associated with Levels of Suicidal Ideation Among Patients Self-Reporting Moderately Severe or Severe Major Depressive Disorder in a National Survey

“…Considering the risk to these patients, it is important to note that several validated screening instruments to detect depression have been utilized in the primary care setting; 47 however, challenges remain in identifying those at risk of suicidality. 48 , 49 The PHQ-9 is a practical way to screen for and assess depression symptom severity in the real world given its inclusion in National Quality Forum (NQF)–endorsed quality measures, inclusion in Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) measures, and ease and frequency of use. 24 …”

Role of Primary Care in Suicide Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Brief, therapeutic interactions are useful for long-term suicide prevention. 25 Interventions directed toward the symptoms of suicide, such as hopelessness, will help the clinician address the issue in collaboration with the patient to prevent suicide. 25 The concept of hopelessness has been widely demonstrated in the literature to have a crucial impact on suicidality.…”

“… 25 Interventions directed toward the symptoms of suicide, such as hopelessness, will help the clinician address the issue in collaboration with the patient to prevent suicide. 25 The concept of hopelessness has been widely demonstrated in the literature to have a crucial impact on suicidality. 26 Focusing therapeutic interventions on the concept of hopelessness will allow the nurse practitioner (NP) to emotionally connect with patients who are contemplating suicide and allow the NP the opportunity to convey genuine concern and acknowledge how difficult the patient’s situation is.…”