The Suicidal Risk

Abstract

IN this country about 16,000 suicides are reported each year.1 In addition, about 100,000 suicidal attempts are believed to occur annually.2 , 3 Thus every physician may find himself in a position in which he must decide on the degree of suicidal risk that a given patient represents.Varieties of Suicidal Risk Encountered in Medical PracticeSuicide is a reaction common to the mentally disordered of many types. The mistaken belief that manic-depressive psychosis is the principal suicidiferous disorder may lull the physician into a false sense of security at times.Case 1. A man removed his mother, a patient with senile . . .