Suicidal ideation is a common medical term for thoughts about suicide, which may be as detailed as a formulated plan, without the suicidal act itself. Although most people who undergo suicidal ideation do not commit suicide, some go on to make suicide attempts.[1] The range of suicidal ideation varies greatly from fleeting to detailed planning, role playing and unsuccessful attempts, which may be deliberately constructed to fail or be discovered or may be fully intended to succeed. In a study conducted in Finland, 22% of the suicide victims examined had discussed suicidal intent with a health care professional in their last office visit.[2]
Beck, AT; Steer, RA; Kovacs, M; Garrison, B (1985). "Hopelessness and eventual suicide: a 10-year prospective study of patients hospitalized with suicidal ideation". Am J Psychiatry142 (5): 559–563.
Uncapher, H (2000-2001). "Cognitive biases and suicidal ideation in elderly psychiatric inpatients". Omega42 (1): 21–36.
Uncapher, H; Gallagher-Thompson, D; Osgood, NJ (1998). "Hopelessness and suicidal ideation in older adults". The Gerontologist38 (1): 62–70.
^ Halgin, Richard P.; Susan Whitbourne (2006). Abnormal psychology : clinical perspectives on psychological disorders. Boston : McGraw-Hill, pp. 267-272. ISBN 0-07-322872-9.
