A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe depression, hopelessness and a clear plan to hang himself. He says he has written a...

Question

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe depression, hopelessness and a clear plan to hang himself. He says he has written a suicide note. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Ensure he is not left alone, initiate constant observation and arrange urgent psychiatric assessment and possible admission

Answer

Arrange routine outpatient psychology referral

Answer

Start an antidepressant and send him home with close GP follow-up

Answer

Advise him to call Lifeline if things worsen

Answer

Give him benzodiazepines for sleep and discharge

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute suicidality

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe depression, hopelessness and a clear plan to hang himself. He says he has written a suicide note. What is the most appropriate immediate management?