Suicide

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Management of suicidal patients is a psychiatric emergency and the most challenging task faced by mental health providers. Constant vigilance and a collaborative effort by emergency physicians, social workers, and mental health professionals are required to reduce injury or death. Suicide risk should be reduced by recognizing early warning signs, restricting access to lethal weapons, addressing issues leading to suicidal thoughts, treatment adherence, and a close follow-up by a mental health provider. Despite ongoing efforts by clinicians, suicide rates in the United States are still on the rise and at times come as a surprise to the treating clinician. It would be worthwhile to determine with some certainty who has suicidal thoughts and might attempt suicide in the future. Researchers in the field have identified specific brain patterns in patients who have suicidal thoughts. If these thought processes can be identified and specific interventions made, a reduction in suicide attempts could result. The work is still in the initial stages but seems promising.