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.
Brendel
Rebecca Weintraub
RW
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, WAC 812, Boston, MA 02114, USA. rbrendel@partners.org
Wei
Marlynn H
MH
Edersheim
Judith G
JG
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