Table of contents
- Disclaimer
- Recommended citation
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction - Suicide prevention and first aid
- Early detection of risk – Suicide and the relationship with mental disorders
- Talking about suicide and mental health issues
- Suicide prevention – Risk assessment in general practice
- Suicide prevention – Ongoing care for patients and self-care for GPs
- Suicide prevention and first aid resource tool kit
- Disclaimer
- Recommended citation
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction - Suicide prevention and first aid
- Early detection of risk – Suicide and the relationship with mental disorders
- Talking about suicide and mental health issues
- Suicide prevention – Risk assessment in general practice
- Suicide prevention – Ongoing care for patients and self-care for GPs
- Suicide prevention and first aid resource tool kit
Suicide prevention – Risk assessment in general practice
An effective treatment plan that supports and manages clients at risk of suicide should be informed by a thorough risk assessment.23 A risk assessment is a direct conversation with a patient about their suicidal thoughts, plans and intent; it is a matter-of-fact empathetic conversation that allows patients to discuss suicide openly.
A suicide risk assessment brings together key information about a patient’s current mental state, any current or previous risk and protective factors, any key stresses contributing to the risk, and a review of current supports. It is the combination of these factors and identified warning signs that contribute to a patient’s overall level of risk for suicide.
References
- Sivasankaran B. Mental health risk assessment: A guide for GPs. Aust Fam Physician 2011;40(6):366–69. [Accessed 30 May 2016].