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Table 7. Suggested Questions for the Assessment of
Suicidal Symptoms in People With Cancera
Questions
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Assessment
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aAdapted from Roth et al.[6]
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Most people with cancer have passing
thoughts about suicide such as, “I might
do something if it gets bad enough.” |
Acknowledge normality by opening with a statement recognizing that a discussion
does not enhance risk |
Have you ever had thoughts like that?
Any thoughts of not wanting to live or
wishing your illness might hasten your death? |
Level of risk |
Do you have thoughts of suicide?
Have you thought about how you would do it?
Do you intend to harm yourself? |
Level of risk |
Have you ever been depressed or made a suicide
attempt? |
History |
Have you ever been treated for other psychiatric
problems or have you been psychiatrically
hospitalized before getting diagnosed with cancer? |
History |
Have you had a problem with alcohol or drugs? |
Substance abuse |
Have you lost anyone close to you recently?
(Family, friends, others with cancer) |
Bereavement |
References
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Roth AJ, Holland JC: Psychiatric complications in cancer patients. In: Brain MC, Carbone PP, eds.: Current Therapy in Hematology-Oncology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1995, pp 609-18.
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