The determination of whether a patient’s mental health is compromised is a serious matter. The subject’s thinking must be assessed through clinical and psychological trials, and the tribulations can be painstakingly exacting.
Our discussion will focus on a specific aspect of a patient’s mental health i.e., their propensity to show suicidal behavior.
A Serious Concern
Suicide is a grave matter that adversely affects society. For example, it is the tenth leading cause of fatalities in the United States of America. Sadly, the number of incidents has augmented steadily over the years.
Therefore, if clinical attention can determine conclusively if a person is suicidal, it can help save his life in the process! Organizations at the helm have identified suicide prevention as one of their first goals in the short and long term.
As we spoke about mental health earlier, we must also acknowledge that psychiatrists who work in outpatient and inpatient environments have to encounter a wide variety of arduous and anxious decisions. This happens when they must decide how to proceed with a patient who is exhibiting suicidal tendencies.
A botched attempt to commit suicide is generally perceived as a direct violation of oneself since the intent is to end one’s life. Specialists aim to understand several factors such as what drove the person to the brink of suicide. When they begin contemplating suicide, it is known as suicidal ideation.
Tests and trials allow medical professionals to ascertain the extent of suicidal ideation as it is not obligatory that every individual who suffers from it will eventually commit the act. Typically, those who are genuinely considering suicide will have a legitimate plan and the tools required to execute it as well.
In cases where a patient check both boxes above, it is declared a psychiatric emergency. These individuals are in dire need of medical assistance. Even the mere mention of suicidal ideation without the tools may be considered an emergency simply because the patient may opt for a more accessible outlet to take his own life.
Those whose mental concern is so grave that they are admitted to a facility will likely be under strict supervision. Therefore, if a patient has suicidal ideation and even if they have not voiced their opinion, they must be kept under stringent watch at all times.
In many centers that conduct dedicated research and house patients, nurses are assigned to patients. They are tasked with gauging the demeanor of patients and to observe potential red flags which would mean that the patient is indeed suicidal.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that suicide is the third leading reason for deaths in the 15-24 age bracket. It is at number two in the 25-34 group and fourth in the 35-54 bracket respectively. These alarming statistics make it immediately apparent that suicide prevention is pivotal. Suicide ideation can occur in any age bracket and affect any gender, which is why medical help is vital.