Suicide risk assessment and the use of patient contracts
Article Abstract:
The UK government has identified reduction of suicide rate as one measure of mental health service improvement. Community psychiatric nurses are likely to have contact with patients who are suicidal as 90% of suicides occur in people with at least one psychiatric disorder. Nurses should be competent in assessing the risk of suicide as better assessment will lead to improved intervention. The no-suicide contract may be useful. Tools for assessing suicide risk include the SAD PERSONS scale and the Hopelessness Scale. These scales examine factors including social support and psychiatric history.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1999
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Divided priorities: mental health referrals
Article Abstract:
A study which examined primary care referrals to the Pendine Community Mental Health Center in Cardiff over 12 months revealed that only 8% of total referrals had serious mental illnesses. It is argued that those not suffering from serious mental illnesses are using resources which are aimed to help more severe problems. Similarly, non-attendance rates, which stood at 32%, are also responsible for wasting resources.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 2000
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A systematic desensitization programme for agoraphobia
Article Abstract:
Issues concerning ways in which people suffering from agoraphobia can deal with their anxieties are discussed. Particular attention is given to the technique of systematic desensitization which consists in supervised gradual exposure to the fear-causing environment.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 2001
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