Patient Safety in Psychiatry-Case Vignette

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, a 36-year-old man with severe depression and chronic thoughts of suicide is evaluated at a psychiatry clinic. The patient admits to having a handgun but states he doesn't have active plans to use it due to concerns for cleaning up the aftermath. The attending physician and resident determine the patient is at chronic risk for suicide and agree that removing the gun is essential for the patient's safety. However, the patient resists all proposed plans for disposition of the gun. As time passes, the supervisor views the patient as higher risk than the resident and discussions are held to explore legal options. Eventually, it takes almost three months to remove the gun from the patient's residence. The case emphasizes the importance of accurate assessment and the need to remove lethal means, such as firearms, from suicidal patients for their safety. Suicide contracts and defective processes are insufficient preventive measures.

Keywords

severe depression

chronic thoughts of suicide

psychiatry clinic

removing the gun

lethal means