Assessment of suicide risk.

Suicide is preventable and the first step in prevention is to identify those who are at risk. The psychiatrically ill are at high risk of suicide. The majority who commit suicide have given clear indications of suicidal intent shortly before the act. In the assessment of suicide risk the precipitating factor, the intensity of suicidal intentions, the patient's motivation for suicide and the lethality of the attempt have to be taken into consideration. Patients with significant suicide risk need to be hospitalized.