Psychiatric Assessment and Management of Suicide and Mood
Disorders
Study Guide – Latest 2025 Update (Distinct, Professional, Exam-Ready)
1. Suicide Risk Assessment
Key Components to Assess:
Domain What to Ask/Evaluate Why It Matters
Suicidal Ideation "Have you been thinking about Establish presence of thoughts.
harming or killing yourself?"
Intent "Do you intend to act on these Determines immediacy of risk.
thoughts?"
Plan "Have you thought about how you Specific plan increases severity.
would do it?"
Means "Do you have access to the method?" Access indicates danger and
urgency.
Past Attempts Number, methods used, medical Strongest predictor of future
lethality. suicide.
Protective Factors Family, children, faith, treatment Reduces but does not
engagement. eliminate risk.
High-Risk Indicators:
Recent suicide attempt
Clear, detailed suicide plan
Access to weapons/means
Severe hopelessness
Substance use disorder
Social isolation
Command hallucinations (psychotic conditions)
Emergency Management:
Do NOT leave the patient alone.
Remove means (e.g., weapons, medications).
Arrange emergency evaluation or hospitalization.
Initiate safety planning (not a no-harm contract).
Disorders
Study Guide – Latest 2025 Update (Distinct, Professional, Exam-Ready)
1. Suicide Risk Assessment
Key Components to Assess:
Domain What to Ask/Evaluate Why It Matters
Suicidal Ideation "Have you been thinking about Establish presence of thoughts.
harming or killing yourself?"
Intent "Do you intend to act on these Determines immediacy of risk.
thoughts?"
Plan "Have you thought about how you Specific plan increases severity.
would do it?"
Means "Do you have access to the method?" Access indicates danger and
urgency.
Past Attempts Number, methods used, medical Strongest predictor of future
lethality. suicide.
Protective Factors Family, children, faith, treatment Reduces but does not
engagement. eliminate risk.
High-Risk Indicators:
Recent suicide attempt
Clear, detailed suicide plan
Access to weapons/means
Severe hopelessness
Substance use disorder
Social isolation
Command hallucinations (psychotic conditions)
Emergency Management:
Do NOT leave the patient alone.
Remove means (e.g., weapons, medications).
Arrange emergency evaluation or hospitalization.
Initiate safety planning (not a no-harm contract).
