Clinical Risk Management
According to Phillip Resnick at Case Western University, of 100 people who
attempt suicide, 10% will eventually go on to complete, and at the rate of
about 1% per year.
However, most people who make a suicide attempt only do so once. The most dangerous time for recently hospitalized psychiatric patients is within the first few weeks and months following discharge. Of those in this group who take their own lives, a full 32% will do so within six months.
Therefore, clinicians (as well as other involved professionals and family members) should take extra care and caution with recently discharged patients whose histories include suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts. Assessment and reassessment of suicide risk are highly recommended.
- The QPR Institute
