Threats of suicide

Abstract

For patients in treatment, how do suicidal feelings emerge, how do we judge the seriousness of suicide threats and what do we do? The literature on suicidal thinking, suicidal threats and suicidal acts is reviewed as well as some of the accumulated statistics for adults, adolescents and children. Some treatment principles and countertransference reactions are presented. The values of the therapist and the therapist's feelings toward death are seen as coloring the therapist's reaction to suicidal patients.