Clinical Manual for Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Patients, Second Edition

Book excerpt: Since the first edition of Clinical Manual for Assessment and Treatment of Suicidal Patients was published in 2005, advances have been made that increase our understanding of suicidal and self-destructive behavior. Although clinicians cannot unerringly predict which patients will die by suicide, they can focus more successfully on early identification of suicidal behavior and effective intervention, and this new edition of the clinical manual thoroughly explores not only assessment of suicidality but what comes after an at-risk patient has been identified. The authors argue that treating specific psychiatric disorders is not enough to prevent suicide, and they offer clinicians the necessary information and strategies to bridge that gap. The authors' main premise is that suicide is a dangerous and short-term problem-solving behavior designed to regulate or eliminate intense emotional pain -- a quick fix where a long-term effective solution is needed -- and this understanding is the underpinning of the assessment and treatment strategies the authors recommend. Table of Contents: Dimensions of suicidal behavior The clinician's emotions, values, legal exposure, and ethics : global issues in the treatment of suicidal patients A basic model of suicidal behavior : a problem-solving model of suicidal behavior Assessment and case conceptualization : fundamental components of effective treatment Outpatient interventions with suicidal patients : caring for suicidal patients outside of the hospital Suicidal behavior and use of psychotropic medications The repetitiously suicidal patient : evaluation, intervention and crisis response Managing suicidal emergencies : using crisis to create positive change Hospitals and suicidal behavior : a complex relationship Suicidality and special populations Suicidal patients in primary care : responding to the challenge.