Medication can be an integral part of the treatment of a client expressing suicidal ideation.   While there is a need for additional research to more fully understand the effectiveness of medications to reduce the risk of suicide, professionals working with clients who are at risk for suicide need to be aware of basic information about medications prescribed to their clients.  

Medications used for the treatment of mental health disorders are best delivered within the context of a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional.   The ongoing counseling needs, follow-up with other services, and a treatment plan that considers the social, environmental, cultural, biological, and psychological factors impacting the client should all be considered.

A general understanding of medication and the effects of medications are important to health care professionals because (References 1&2):

1. Medication is a common and potentially effective component of mental health treatment and in turn may benefit people at risk for suicide.
   • “Since 90 percent of suicide occurs in people with mental disorders, it is thought that treating the underlying disorder could reduce suicide risk.   For some medications there is evidence that the effects on suicidality may be independent from the effects on the mental disorder” (Reference 1, p. 233).

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Internet

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

The DBSA is a U.S. not-for-profit organization based out of Chicago and the nation's largest patient-directed, illness-specific organization.

The DBSA provides information about treatment for Depressive and Bipolar disorders including medication(s).   The DBSA Web site is available at the following Web address: