Research-informed comments on the treatment of suicidal inpatients.
Because there is debate about the benefits of hospitalization for the suicidal patient, it is vital that issues relating to the assessment and treatment of such patients be studied. Research studies, chiefly arising from the Menninger Suicide Research Projects, are summarized as they focus on these issues. Why particular kinds of hospital treatment can benefit the seriously suicidal patient and why certain treatment philosophies can seemingly increase the risk of death are among the issues discussed. Clinicians are urged to sharpen their assessment questions and to develop a focused, articulated understanding of the circumstances which might precipitate a suicidal crisis as well as the particular aims of the act for a given individual.
D003625:Data Collection; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research; D012306:Risk; D014481:United States; D000092864:Suicide Prevention