Suicide watch: can you identify a suicidal patient? Many visit their primary care physicians before killing themselves

Article Abstract:

Half of the persons who commit suicide have visited a general physician within a month before the act and 80% have seen a doctor within six months, according to studies. Physicians should learn to recognize the signs of depression, by far the most common symptom found in psychiatric autopsies of suicide victims. A patient who is unwilling to discuss depression may nevertheless reveal plans for suicide if asked to do so. The primary care physician may prescribe antidepressants and/or refer the patient to a psychiatrist.

Prevention, Suicide, Suicide prevention

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Comfort or truth: what is doctor's duty to the dying patient?

Article Abstract:

Dr Irvin Yalom, a psychiatrist and author, believes that physicians should try to comfort terminally patients, but should not necessarily inform them of unpleasant realities. In Yalom's novel, 'When Nietzsche Wept,' a physician, Josef Breuer, argues with the philosopher concerning the doctor's duty. The novel takes place in Vienna in 1822, before Nietzsche became famous. Although the two men were not acquainted, Yalom uses the imaginary dialogue between them to explore ideas about psychotherapy and existentialism.

Terminally ill persons, Terminally ill, Authorship, Yalom, Irvin

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Communicating care

Article Abstract:

Physicians can communicate concern and compassion nonverbally. Eliminate physical barriers between physician and patient, such as those imposed by charts and large desks. Speak and gesture with animation, and smile and make eye-contact frequently. Uncross legs and arms to maintain an 'open' body position. Touch requires a previous relationship. Verbal and non-verbal messages should be consistent.

Methods, Nonverbal communication

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