Table 8.

Factors determining the decision to hospitalize[3]

Strongly consider hospitalization under the following situations:

1. Prior attempt of high lethality

2. Well-thought-out plan

3. Access to lethal means

4. Uncommunicative

5. Recent major loss

6. Social isolation

7. Hopelessness

8. History of impulsive, high-risk behavior

9. Active substance abuse or dependence

10. Untreated mood, psychotic, or personality disorder

After a suicide attempt or aborted suicide attempt if:

1. Patient is psychotic

2. Attempt was violent, near-lethal, or premeditated

3. Precautions were taken to avoid rescue or discovery

4. Persistent plan and/or intent is present

5. Distress is increased or patient regrets surviving

6. Patient is male, older than age 45 years, especially with new onset of psychiatric illness or suicidal thinking

7. Patient has limited family and/or social support

8. Current impulsive behavior, severe agitation, poor judgment, or refusal of help is evident

9. Patient has change in mental status with a metabolic, toxic, infectious, or other etiology requiring further workup in a structured setting

In the presence of suicidal ideation with:

1. Specific plan with high lethality

2. High suicidal intent