How To Treat a Patient with Depressive Episodes and Suicidal Thoughts
Our resident clinical psychologists offer replies to reader questions submitted anonymously to Ask the Psychologist.
Reader’s Question
Q:
How to treat a patient with depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts?
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
A:
- Help the patient recognize the symptoms of depression. Discuss the symptoms at length with the patient and assure them that depression is a stress-produced brain chemistry issue — not their fault and not due to their behavior.
- Educate the patient about the symptoms of depression and treatment options.
- If suicidal thoughts are strong, recommend immediate consultation with a psychiatrist or mental health professional. If none are available, refer to the Emergency Room for treatment.
- Recommend what is researched as the “treatment of choice” in depression which is a combination of antidepressant medication and counseling/therapy.
- Encourage treatment programs and monitor their progress.
- Encourage patient to learn more about depression for future reference.
Other questions answered by Dr Joseph M Carver, PhD
This article was last reviewed by on Monday, 11th February 2008.
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