More Time Spent with Suicidal Patients Saves Money

Because people often repeat their suicidal behaviors, intervention after a suicide attempt is particularly important. In a Swiss study, 120 patients receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment after a suicide attempt (mean age, 38) were randomized to the manual-based, 3-session Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) or a single suicide risk assessment. These researchers (including 2 ASSIP authors) conducted a post hoc economic analysis of intervention costs.

ASSIP consisted of an initial session reviewing the circumstances of the attempt and establishing an alliance, a second session reviewing a video of the first session and an assigned reading, and a third session for developing a suicide prevention plan; afterwards, personal…