title: Real-Time Monitoring of Non-linear Suicidal Dynamics: Methodology and a Demonstrative Case Report.
abstract: In recent years, a number of different authors have stressed the usefulness of non-linear dynamic systems approach in suicide research and suicide prevention. This approach applies specific methods of time series analysis and, consequently, it requires a continuous and fine-meshed assessment of the processes under consideration. The technical means for this kind of process assessment and process analysis are now available. This paper outlines how suicidal dynamics can be monitored in high-risk patients by an Internet-based application for continuous self-assessment with integrated tools of non-linear time series analysis: the Synergetic Navigation System. This procedure is illustrated by data from a patient who attempted suicide at the end of a 90-day monitoring period. Additionally, future research topics and clinical applications of a non-linear dynamic systems approach in suicidology are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Suicide Prevention Research Program, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria; Department of Suicide Prevention, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria; Department of Clinical Psychology, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria; Institute of Synergetics and Psychotherapy Research, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fartacek
authors.affiliation: Institute of Synergetics and Psychotherapy Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schiepek
authors.affiliation: Suicide Prevention Research Program, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria; Department of Suicide Prevention, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kunrath
authors.affiliation: Suicide Prevention Research Program, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria; Department of Suicide Prevention, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Reinhold
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fartacek
authors.affiliation: Suicide Prevention Research Program, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria; Department of Suicide Prevention, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria; Department of Clinical Psychology, Christian Doppler ClinicSalzburg, Austria; Institute of Synergetics and Psychotherapy Research, Paracelsus Medical UniversitySalzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plöderl
keywords: critical instability; early warning system; non-linear dynamic systems; real-time monitoring; risk assessment; suicide prevention