Table 6.

Managing a patient with acute suicidal behavior[12]

The basic goals in management are the following

Ensure immediate safety of the patient

Stabilize/manage medical complications if any

Protect the patient from self-harm

Effect immediate change

Shift focus from crisis to resolution

Detect and solve, as far as possible, the acute problem that precipitated the crisis

Involve family, partner, social support network

Diagnose and treat the underlying problem that predisposed the patient to suicidal behavior.