Suicidal ideation
A patient suffering from depression should be asked about any current thoughts of suicide, and if thoughts are present, what is the patient’s intent. The patients will describe having thoughts of suicide but they do not intend to act on these thoughts or wish to be dead. They are found reporting that although the thoughts are present, they have no intent to act on the thoughts. This is what is typically referred to as passive suicidal ideation. Other patients are present actual will express their determination to end their life and are at higher risk. Here, the presence of psychotic symptoms should also be assessed. Some patients develop hallucinations compelling them to hurt themselves even if they do not have a desire to die. When a patient reports suicidal ideation, he or she should be inquired about the specificity of the plan, so that combating becomes easier.