A 25-year-old man presents to the emergency department saying he has been feeling hopeless and admits to daily thoughts of suicide. He describes a spe...

Question

A 25-year-old man presents to the emergency department saying he has been feeling hopeless and admits to daily thoughts of suicide. He describes a specific plan to hang himself in a nearby park and states he intends to act on this tonight. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Admit for urgent psychiatric assessment and ensure constant observation

Answer

Arrange routine outpatient psychology referral

Answer

Start an antidepressant and send him home with family supervision

Answer

Give crisis hotline numbers and discharge

Answer

Schedule review with his GP in one week

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute suicidality

A 25-year-old man presents to the emergency department saying he has been feeling hopeless and admits to daily thoughts of suicide. He describes a specific plan to hang himself in a nearby park and states he intends to act on this tonight. What is the most appropriate management?