Determining suicide risk (hint: a screen is not enough).
An individualized assessment is essential to identifying relevant risk factors. Use direct questions, such as, "Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?" to screen for suicidal ideation. Ask a family member or close friend to ensure that any guns or other lethal means of suicide are inaccessible to the patient at risk. Avoid the use of "no harm" contracts, which are controversial and lack demonstrated effectiveness.
Fiedorowicz
Jess G
JG
Departments of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. jess-fiedorowicz@uiowa.edu
Weldon
Kija
K
Bergus
George
G
D000367:Age Factors; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008487:Medical History Taking; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention