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A member asked:
Suicide prevention - what do you do when a patient is feeling suicidal?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Prompt evaluation: Reach out, try to establish trust. Address issue directly, ask if the patient has a formal plan: if s/he has access to lethal means/poor judgement & support -> hospital. Otherwise consider making a written "contract" for safely and evaluate for psych disorder or significant stressors. If safe, consider rx, counseling, alcohol rehab. Depression is a terrible disease, reach out and be a real friend.
Answered 6/27/2015
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