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Recognizing and Responding to a Suicide Crisis
Author(s) -
Hendin Herbert,
Maltsberger John T.,
Lipschitz Alan,
Haas Ann Pollinger,
Kyle Jennifer
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1521/suli.31.2.115.21515
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , psychology , psychiatry , suicide prevention , substance abuse , clinical psychology , poison control , medicine , medical emergency , economics , macroeconomics
Data from therapists who were treating 26 patients when they committed suicide were utilized to identify signs that warned of a suicide crisis. Three factors were identified as markers of the suicide crisis: a precipitating event; one or more intense affective states other than depression; and at least one of three behavioral patterns: speech or actions suggesting suicide, deterioration in social or occupational functioning, and increased substance abuse. Problems in communication between patient and therapist were identified as factors interfering with crisis recognition. Evaluation of the identified affects and behaviors may help therapists recognize a suicide crisis.