Depression and Suicide Risk Assessment

Depression features low mood, anhedonia, sleep and appetite changes, and feelings of worthlessness.

Always assess suicide risk directly — asking about suicide does not plant the idea.

A patient with a specific plan and means is at high risk and requires close observation.

Patient safety is the highest priority — remove harmful objects and provide supervision.

A sudden lift in mood in a depressed patient may signal a decision to attempt suicide — increased risk.

Antidepressants take 2–4 weeks to work, so risk may persist early in treatment.