Assessing an adult patient's suicide risk. What primary care physicians need to know.

There is no pathognomonic sign or symptom that predicts suicide. However, suicide threats, hopelessness, and other risk factors may signal a patient's intent for self-harm. Through careful history taking and examination, the physician can assess the patient's risk profile for suicide and construct an appropriate treatment plan, which may include hospitalization, drug therapy, and/or referral to a psychiatrist.