Attitudes of the emergency physician toward and diagnostic evaluation of suicide attempters

Abstract

The negative attitudes of emergency medical personnel toward suicide attempters are well documented in recent studies. Part of the reason for such negative attitudes may involve the emergency medical professional's lack of knowledge about the variety of psychiatric conditions present in the patient who attempts suicide. Information about such conditions and the emotional reactions certain personalities generate might alter these attitudes. Questioning the patient about the feelings and thoughts experienced during the attempt often provides some of the most helpful data about the patient's psychiatric condition, treatment needs, and prognosis. Proper guidelines and education, for the emergency physician should help improve the early management of the suicide attempters.