Susan Noonan, MD, MPH, mentioned the significance of routinely assessing sufferers for suicidal ideation. Drawing from conversations with many sufferers with temper issues throughout the nation, Noonan reported that many sufferers acknowledged their psychiatrists had by no means requested them about suicidal ideas or self-harm. These sufferers have been disadvantaged of an important side of care, she stated, suggesting potential missed alternatives for intervention.
Noonan additionally explored a number of explanations for this omission, together with clinician reliance on self-report questionnaires, assumptions of low suicide threat, or easy oversight. She emphasised that even sufferers thought of low threat must be straight requested about suicidal ideas, as threat prediction stays imperfect and passive ideation can rapidly evolve into lively suicidal intent beneath stress. The dialogue of screening highlighted the continuum of suicidal ideation, from lively (particular plans for dying) to passive (a want to not stay with out plans), each of which require immediate medical consideration. Noonan underscored that discussing suicide doesn’t “plant the concept” however as a substitute gives a chance for communication, reduction, and potential prevention.1
She urged clinicians to make use of empathetic, nonjudgmental, and open-ended questioning (eg, “What sorts of ideas have you ever been having?”) and to validate the affected person’s misery. In closing, Noonan reminded psychiatrists that regardless of time pressures, prioritizing these conversations demonstrates care, reduces stigma, and should save lives.2
Dr Noonan is a doctor, psychological well being and wellness coach; creator of 5 books on managing psychological well being and temper issues with a print and video weblog; advisor; group facilitator; and licensed peer specialist. Dr Noonan is the inaugural recipient of the Nationwide Despair and Bipolar Help Alliance Peer Help Specialist of the 12 months 2022. Her most up-to-date e book, printed by Johns Hopkins College Press, is Reconnecting After Isolation: Coping With Anxiousness, Despair, Grief, PTSD, and Extra
References
1. Suicide screening and evaluation. Suicide Prevention Useful resource Heart. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://sprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/RS_suicide-screening_91814-final.pdf
2. Researchers have a confirmed prescription for lowering suicide charges. Kaiser Permanente. April 8, 2025. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://kpwashingtonresearch.org/index.php/news-and-events/recent-news/news-2025/researchers-have-proven-prescription-reducing-suicide-rates