Conducting Short-Term Risk Assessment Interviews

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 9 describes several ways to integrate the previously discussed constructs (trait vulnerability, stressful life events, suicidal narrative, suicide crisis syndrome, and clinician’s emotional response to suicidal patients) into suicide risk assessment interviews in different clinical settings. The first section of the chapter combines all the core constructs into one comprehensive risk assessment outline. The second section discusses the real-world challenges of suicide risk assessment, emphasizing the limitations of self-disclosed suicidal ideation and intent and highlighting strategies to minimize the suicide risk interview bias. The third section outlines the potential advantages and shortcomings of the existing short-term suicide risk assessment scales. The fourth section describes three risk assessment interview strategies, illustrated by clinically relevant examples. The final section provides a striking clinical case example that underscores the importance of incorporating clinicians’ emotional responses into the suicide risk assessment.