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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

GPs Reminded to Regularly Assess Depressed Patients for Risk of Suicide

Originally Published on May 4, 2012

GPs are being advised to ensure patients with depression are regularly assessed for a risk of suicide. The Medical Defence Union (MDU) issued the advice after being notified of a small number of complaints in which GPs were criticised for failing to appreciate that the patient was a suicide risk.

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The MDU's advice for GPs to help them avoid such problems includes:
  • Be aware of the current guidance on the treatment of depression, including the role of non-drug interventions.
  • Ensure patients understand what is being prescribed and have been warned about the risks involved, any side-effects and alternatives to treatment.
  • Have a system in place to review patients on long-term medication.
  • All patients who present with depression need to be assessed regularly for risk of suicide.
  • Be prepared to refer patients for specialist treatment where necessary and have a system to track referrals.
  • Take care with prescriptions for drugs with similar names and with dosages.

The entire story is here.