[Suicide risk and hospitalization: is a paradigm shift necessary?]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hospitalization is standard for suicidal patients to prevent self-harm.
• Existing suicide risk prediction models have demonstrated limited effectiveness.
• The current approach to managing suicidal patients requires re-evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a paradigm shift in the management of suicidal patients.
• To propose a move away from risk categorization towards individualized care.
• To establish a framework for effective, purpose-driven hospitalization.

Main Methods:

• Critically analyze the limitations of current suicide risk assessment.
• Propose an alternative model for hospitalization based on empirical data.
• Emphasize the development of short-term, achievable objectives for patient care.

Main Results:

• Risk-based categorization of suicidal patients is largely ineffective.
• Hospitalization without clear objectives can be iatrogenic.
• A reproducible empirical model can guide interventions beyond mere life preservation.

Conclusions:

• A paradigm shift is necessary in managing suicidal patients.
• Focus should be on reducing distress, personalizing care, and promoting change.
• Hospitalization should be purposeful, guided by empirical models, and demonstrate benefits beyond preventing immediate harm.