[Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: Clinical Assessment, Prevention, and Therapeutic Approaches]

Suicidality represents a common and potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can occur across a wide range of psychiatric, somatic, and psychosocial contexts. In this article, we provide a clinically oriented classification of suicidality and present epidemiological data as well as relevant risk factors. Suicidality is conceptualized as a dynamic, multifactorial process that should not be understood as a linear stage model, but rather as the result of an interaction between individual vulnerabilities, situational stressors, and protective factors.We place a particular focus on the exploration and assessment of suicide risk, including the limitations of predictive approaches and the role of standardized assessment instruments in routine clinical practice. The importance of the therapeutic relationship and of alliance-forming capacity as central protective factors is highlighted. In addition, we present evidence-based concepts of suicide prevention at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Finally, we give a short review of current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of suicidality. The article emphasizes the need for continuous, context-sensitive risk assessment, structured follow-up care, and interdisciplinary prevention strategies to reduce suicidal crises and behaviors.