A 23-year-old man with schizophrenia treated with an antipsychotic presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan but...

Question

A 23-year-old man with schizophrenia treated with an antipsychotic presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan but no attempt. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Ensure safety with constant observation, remove means of self-harm, and arrange urgent psychiatric assessment, likely requiring admission

Answer

Discharge with outpatient follow-up only

Answer

Start an antidepressant and send him home

Answer

Tell him to call a crisis line if he feels worse

Answer

Increase antipsychotic dose slightly and review in 2 weeks

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Suicidal ideation

A 23-year-old man with schizophrenia treated with an antipsychotic presents to the emergency department with suicidal ideation and a specific plan but no attempt. What is the most appropriate immediate management?