Table 7. Suggested Questions for the Assessment of Suicidal Symptoms in People With Cancera
| Questions | Assessment |
| aAdapted from Roth et al.[6] | |
| Most people with cancer have passing thoughts about suicide such as, “I might do something if it gets bad enough.” | Acknowledge normality by opening with a statement recognizing that a discussion does not enhance risk |
| Have you ever had thoughts like that? Any thoughts of not wanting to live or wishing your illness might hasten your death? | Level of risk |
| Do you have thoughts of suicide? Have you thought about how you would do it? Do you intend to harm yourself? | Level of risk |
| Have you ever been depressed or made a suicide attempt? | History |
| Have you ever been treated for other psychiatric problems or have you been psychiatrically hospitalized before getting diagnosed with cancer? | History |
| Have you had a problem with alcohol or drugs? | Substance abuse |
| Have you lost anyone close to you recently? (Family, friends, others with cancer) | Bereavement |
References
- Roth AJ, Holland JC: Psychiatric complications in cancer patients. In: Brain MC, Carbone PP, eds.: Current Therapy in Hematology-Oncology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1995, pp 609-18.
