Interventions

Despite the fact that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, there are currently no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for suicidal behavior. However, interventions that provide potentially effective treatment are available. This chapter explores medications and biological interventions as well as psychosocial, alternative, and app/Internet-based interventions. The section on medications and biological interventions covers clozapine, lithium, and ketamine. The psychosocial intervention section covers dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive–behavioral therapy for suicidal patients (CBT-SP), Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), attachment-based family therapy, and safety planning. The section on alternative and Internet-based interventions covers mindfulness meditation as well as online applications that can act as supplements to traditional treatments. The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of suicide risk assessment and clinician self-care in suicide prevention.