Suicide Pharmacotherapy
There are very limited options when it comes to treating patients with suicidal ideations.
The best evidence for suicidal pharmacotherapy exists for clozapine and lithium. When used in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, clozapine has been shown to reduce suicide attempts and hospitalizations in these patients although the benefits must be weighed against the adverse effects. Similarly, lithium salts have been associated with major reductions in suicide and suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder.
Recommended article:
Jacobs DG, Baldessarini RJ, Conwell Y, et al. Practice guidelines for
the assessment and treatment of patients with suicidal behaviors.
Am J Psych (supplement) 2003;160(11):1-60.
The best evidence for suicidal pharmacotherapy exists for clozapine and lithium. When used in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, clozapine has been shown to reduce suicide attempts and hospitalizations in these patients although the benefits must be weighed against the adverse effects. Similarly, lithium salts have been associated with major reductions in suicide and suicide attempts in patients with bipolar disorder.
Recommended article:
Jacobs DG, Baldessarini RJ, Conwell Y, et al. Practice guidelines for
the assessment and treatment of patients with suicidal behaviors.
Am J Psych (supplement) 2003;160(11):1-60.