[Recognition and treatment of suicidal risk. Part 2: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in medical practice]

The knowledge gained by medical suicide research and clinical experience provides a practical basis for diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for the care providing physician. Practical approach: The danger of suicide can be estimated on the basis of mental abnormalities and the health or social situation, and the level of risk approximately assessed. The appropriate therapeutic approach is determined in talks with the patient, which often decide his/her subsequent fate and that of the immediate family. The question as to whether to refer the patient to institutional psychiatric care--a step that should rarely have to be taken against the patient's will--must be carefully considered.

The provision of care to suicidal patients on an outpatient basis requires from the physician a high level of knowledge, sensitivity and commitment that goes beyond mere specialized expertise.