Sudden improvement among high-risk suicidal patients: should it be trusted?
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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack
Published on: May 15, 2020
Robert Simon1, Thomas G Gutheil
1Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA. risimonmd@ aol.com
Abstract:
There is a long-standing belief that patients with depression and suicidal tendencies are particularly vulnerable to suicide when their depression shows signs of improvement. The authors discuss the clinical challenges of distinguishing real from feigned signs of recovery. Whereas genuine clinical improvement is a process, sudden patient improvement is a suspect event. The authors discuss clinical indicators that distinguish the two. They emphasize the importance of gathering corroborating evidence through communications with staff and the patient's family. Suicide risk assessment is necessary throughout the patient's illness and recovery.
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