Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ManagementPatient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiatric practice. Indeed, it is the rare clinician who does not struggle, even agonize, over the complex task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in patients. Patient suicides account for the greatest number of malpractice suits filed against psychiatrists and for the greatest number of settlements and verdicts covered by professional liability insurers. In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr. Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, offers A solid, easy-to-understand review of how medical malpractice law applies to patient suicides. He discusses the standards of care physicians must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and how best to minimize risks of litigation. Extensive references to peer-reviewed literature on suicide and recent malpractice cases, including those triggered by patient suicides, which give insight into the latest developments in both the scientific community and the courts. Much-needed practical advice, including advice on working with suicide risk assessments and suicide prevention contracts, on treating suicidal patients in various settings (outpatient, inpatient, collaborative, and emergency), and on coping with issues arising in the aftermath of a patient's suicide (documentation, confidentiality, and survivor care). Clearly defined risk management guidelines that will help clinicians avoid litigation or establish a sound legal defense if sued for malpractice. Numerous case examples that make the theoretical discussions and clinically based risk management guidelines that follow come alive. Rich in advice that draws on the author's more than 40 years of clinical experience, this book serves as an essential aid to clinicians. |
From inside the book
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... depression are closely linked , and depression has become a more treatable disorder , the mental health professions have targeted suicide as an unfortunate outcome to be combated through the treatment of mental illness . But like all ...
... depressed , but it never occurred to us he would kill himself . " Being surprised may make people angry ; litigation may express the feeling . Finally , families who have suffered a suicide describe the withdrawal of friends and ...
... depressive posture of hopelessness may be associated with a curious contagion : despite the general treatability of depression , the clinician comes to feel hopeless about the pa- tient's treatment and fails to follow through on ...
... depression and to loss of appetite and weight but denies any suicidal intent , ideation , or plan . The psychi- atrist provides some samples of antidepressant medications and re- fers the patient for psychiatric treatment . Two weeks ...
... depression and suicidal ideation . She is being treated in a " split treatment " arrange- ment by a psychiatrist , who monitors medication , and a master's- level psychologist , who conducts the psychotherapy . The psychia- trist has a ...
Contents
1 | |
25 | |
Discharge and Aftercare | 36 |
Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive | 79 |
5 | 105 |
Emergency Psychiatric Services | 173 |
Documentation | 191 |
Index of Legal Cases and Statutes | 217 |
Other editions - View all
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ... Robert I. Simon No preview available - 2004 |