Treating Suicidal Behavior An Effective, Time-Limited Approach

Grounded in a comprehensive model of suicidality, this volume describes an empirically supported cognitive-behavioral treatment approach. The clinician is guided to assess suicidal behavior and implement interventions tailored to the severity, chronicity, and diagnostic complexity of the patient's symptoms. Provided are session-by-session guidelines and clear-cut strategies for defusing the initial crisis; reducing suicidal behavior; restructuring suicide-related beliefs; and building interpersonal assertiveness, distress tolerance, problem solving, and other key skills. A special chapter covers risk assessment. Enhancing the book's utility are tables, figures, and sample handouts and forms, some of which may be reproduced for professional use.

I. Establishing a Foundation for Treatment1. What Do We Really Know about Treating Suicidality?: A Critical Review of the Literature2. A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Suicidality3. An Overview of the Treatment Process II. Assessment and Treatment4. Treatment Course and Session-by-Session Guidelines5. The Evaluation Process and the Initial Interviews6. Assessing Suicide Risk7. Crisis Intervention and Initial Symptom Management8. Reducing and Eliminating Suicide-Related Behaviors9. Cognitive Restructuring: Changing the Suicidal Belief System and Building a Philosophy for Living10. Skill Building: Developing Adaptive Modes and Ensuring Lasting Change

M. David Rudd, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at Baylor University. He also maintains a part-time private practice. Dr. Rudd received his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin and completed postdoctoral training at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia. He is the author of over 60 articles and book chapters. Thomas E. Joiner, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Psychology Clinic at Florida State University. He completed his doctoral training at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Joiner has authored over 100 articles and book chapters in the areas of depression, eating disorders, and suicidality. M. Hasan Rajab, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Texas A&M Health Science Center. Dr. Rajab completed his doctoral training in biostatistics at Texas A&M University. He is the author of several articles addressing a range of issues in methodology and biostatistics.