Citation

Livengood JM, Parris WC. Clin. J. Pain 1992; 8(2): 164-169.

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1385996

Abstract

There is a dearth of writings about early detection of potential suicide patients in chronic pain centers. Early detection measures used at the Vanderbilt Pain Control Center include a Symptom Checklist-90, with questions about depressive symptomatology and "Thoughts of Ending Your Life"; medical and psychological interviews; monitoring of changes in emotional disturbance; and, if warranted, administration of the Scale of Suicidal Ideation. Three case studies are presented that indicate that the results of an assessment measure should be tempered with clinical judgment. Suicidal behavior, including suicidal ideation, is a medical emergency; therefore, there is great need for early detection and triage measures.

Language: en