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The use of mindfulness-based approaches for suicidal patients.

J Mark G Williams, Michaela Swales

Archives of suicide research : official journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research 2004 DOI: 10.1080/13811110490476671 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Meditation
Key points Argues that mindfulness-based approaches, as used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, share commonalities but differ in application, and proposes that they may be beneficial for suicidal individuals, while cautioning about potential risks and illustrating use through case examples.

Abstract

Mindfulness-based approaches are becoming more widely used for individuals at risk of suicidal behavior: in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (in Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and as a way to reduce relapse in recurrent major depression (in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy). This article describes and examines the commonalities and differences in the use of mindfulness in these two treatments. The reasons for considering the use of mindfulness-based approaches with suicidal individuals more widely are considered and potential risks outlined. The article closes with case examples to illustrate the use of mindfulness in the treatment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.