An approach to the patient in crisis: assessments of the risk of suicide and violence.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is defined as intentional self-harm with the intent of causing death. Various mental disorders may be a cause for increased violence. This article outlines the elements of the risk assessment (for harm to self and/or others) in patients in crisis and addresses which contributing factors may be modifiable. This article also proposes a practical framework for the management of risk regarding suicide and violence.
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, WAC 812, Boston, MA 02114, USA. rbrendel@partners.org
Rebecca Weintraub
RW
Brendel
Marlynn H
MH
Wei
Judith G
JG
Edersheim
D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention