Question

A 24-year-old man attends the emergency department brought by friends after stating he "doesn't see the point in going on". He has depressed mood, heavy alcohol use and recently lost his job. He denies a current plan but admits to fleeting thoughts of jumping from a bridge. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a structured suicide risk assessment and arrange urgent mental health follow-up, considering brief admission if risk is judged moderate to high

Answer

Discharge him with a leaflet on depression and advise follow-up with his GP as needed

Answer

Prescribe a month's supply of benzodiazepines and send him home

Answer

Reassure him that job loss commonly causes low mood and no formal assessment is required

Answer

Call the police to detain him for public intoxication only

Practice question