Chronic Suicide Risk

Some patients (e.g. such as those with a diagnosis of personality disorder and attachment issues) may unfortunately, often have an ongoing, chronic level of suicide ideation.

Recommendations for Chronic Risk

If chronic suicidal ideation…
  • Hospitalization has little value in preventing suicide and may have negative effects such as revolving door admissions (Paris, 2002)
  • Refer / (Re)connect with outpatient services
  • Partial hospitalization in a highly structured day program where possible (Bateman & Fonagy, 1999).
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) shown effective for persons with recurrent suicidal behaviour (McMain, 2009).

Refer to psychiatry and/or consider admission if
  • Acute psychosis
  • Marked increased in level of suicidality (i.e. acute on chronic suicidal ideation)
  • Following a serious suicide attempt

Reference: Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T).