Depression and suicide assessment

The depressed patient and the potentially suicidal patient are among the most common patients seen in Emergency Departments. Because of the obvious risk for serious morbidity and mortality, the emergency physician must develop a strategy for diagnosing depression and assessing suicide potential. Fortunately, several easily recognizable symptoms of depression and risk factors for suicide exist. Armed with a basic knowledge of these principles, the emergency physician can make rapid, intelligent, and rational decisions concerning the treatment and disposition of depressed or suicidal patients.