Philosophical Question for the masses

[jennythereader]

Does it really count as suicidal/homicidal ideation when the patient is hallucinating voices telling him to kill himself/others?

Yes, my job leads me to all sorts of odd thoughts.

Comments

[sioneva.livejournal.com]

Considering the voices are produced by processes in his own brain, even if he is hallucinating them...I'd say yes, it is suicide/homicide, at least technically speaking!

Morally? That's harder.

[dwarven-brewer.livejournal.com]

I second this opinion.

[jennythe-reader.livejournal.com]

I'm starting to think that the psych profession needs to add a third level to the question. Right now it's a simple "yes/no," but I think it would make sense to have the choices be "conscious ideation/unconscious ideation/no ideation"

[lamiagirl.livejournal.com]

I would say yes since the question is frequently used to prove to insurance companies that the patient needs to be in a safe place (inpatient facility). The treatment is then different for the patient hearing the voices vs. the patient who may be suffering from a serious depressive episode, etc. I do not see it as a moral issue as much as a need for the patient to receive treatment and be kept safe.

[siderea]

Count? To whom? "Suicidal ideation" is a techical term with a precise meaning. I think command hallucinations -- the technical term for that -- are considered suicidal ideation, but let me hit my DSM when I get home for a more authoritative answer.