Written by several experts, this multidimensional compendium of current research and thought provides a hands-on guide for psychiatrists, psychotherapists, primary care physicians, counselors, and other professionals faced with the need to assess risk and relate to potentially suicidal clients. Part 1, "Assessment," includes two protocols, various approaches including community psychiatry, psychological, and psychodynamic; articles covering epidemiology, neurobiology, profiles of completed suicides, and murder-suicide. Three articles deal with recognition, assessment, and management of risk; the section ends with the question, "Can Suicide Ever Be Eradicated?" Part 2, "Intervention," covers the relationship of suicide to clinical disorders including manic-depressive (bipolar) illness, major affective disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. Treatment issues covered include the effects of lithium, psychotropic drugs, and electroconvulsive treatment. Part 3, "Special Issues," includes topics regarding suicide in children, adolescents, and the elderly; review of suicide prevention contracts and alternatives; medical settings and assessment in primary care settings; assisted suicide; euthanasia; and liability issues. "Guidelines for Identification, Assessment, and Treatment Planning for Suicidality" from the Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions is appended. (EMK)