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Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Suicidal Behavior

Correspondence: Address correspondence to Paula Clayton, M.D., American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall St, New York, NY 10005; pclayton{at}afsp.org.

This article discusses research-informed strategies for predicting and treating suicidal behavior. One of the most important approaches is to provide training to health professionals in recognizing and treating depression aggressively. An awareness of risk factors, such as certain psychiatric disorders, past suicide attempts, age, gender, other illnesses, and access to means, is essential to these strategies. Levels of treatment that include proper prescription of medication for depression, paired with psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, and extensive communication between patient and health professional may be the best predictors of remission. Intervention plans should also include community education, simple interventions, and treatment of the underlying psychiatric disorders, including the use of lithium and electroconvulsive therapy.

CME Disclosure

Paula Clayton, M.D., American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New York

No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Tracey Auster, B.A., American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New York No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

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