Chapter 9, Problem 1Q

Summary Introduction

Introduction

Suicide is the conscious and direct effort made to kill oneself. Therefore, it is a matter of grave concern, which should be taken seriously. However, the decision made by a clinician to hospitalize a patient who shows suicidal behavior or has suicidal ideations, is dependent on several factors.

Explanation of Solution

Suggested response

One of the most important decisions for a therapist or a clinician is to establish the basis on which a patient with suicidal ideation, or a patient who has attempted suicide, should be hospitalized. Certain factors that help in making this decision are:

- A careful analysis and evaluation of potential risk factors, such as mental status evaluation, socio-demographic, epidemiological, presence of psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, past history( past suicide attempts, or family history of attempted suicide) and the presence of suicidal symptoms such as severe anxiety, hopelessness, and inability to feel pleasure.

- An interview of the patient should be a helpful determining factor. The interview should involve the questions which address the patient's intent and capacity to cause self-harm, the resources and plans for suicide. Through this, the clinician should be able to find out if the patient is going to act on their suicidal thoughts. If yes, then the patient's family members should be informed.

- Patients who give suicidal threats, an intention and a plan to commit suicide along with severe suicidal symptoms, should be hospitalized. In matters where the person's life is under threat, the clause of confidentiality can be overlooked.

- Once hospitalized, the patient should be given proper care and monitored with constant vigilance, at least for the initial few days, until the suicidal symptoms subside.