Assessment of Suicidal Risk and Management of High-risk Suicidal Patients

Abstract

It is known that more than 90% of the deceased who committed suicide had suffered from mental disorders at the time of their suicide. Awareness of suicide risk is necessary in treating mental disorders. Depression is thought to be deeply associated with suicidal behavior. As the state of adjustment disorder which is milder than depression is found to be diagnosed in nearly 20% of severe suicide attempters in Japan, medical staff should be alert to suicidal risk even among patients with subthreshold depression. In order to identify high-risk patients of suicide, we need to assess the intensity of suicidal ideation. When managing the high-risk patients of suicide, we need not only medical treatment but also care for sadness and hopelessness behind the suicidal ideation. Multi-disciplinary approach is important in caring for the suicidal patient.