A 40-year-old man presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan to hang himself. He has a history of depression but ...

Question

A 40-year-old man presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan to hang himself. He has a history of depression but is not currently engaged with mental health services. He denies alcohol or drug use today. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Develop a safety plan, ensure constant supervision and arrange urgent psychiatric assessment

Answer

Arrange routine outpatient psychology referral and discharge

Answer

Prescribe an SSRI and send him home with follow-up in 2 weeks

Answer

Tell him to contact a helpline if he feels worse

Answer

Detain him in a seclusion room without psychiatric review

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute suicide risk management

A 40-year-old man presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan to hang himself. He has a history of depression but is not currently engaged with mental health services. He denies alcohol or drug use today. What is the most appropriate immediate management?