The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is a novel clinical approach used to identify, assess, and manage suicidal outpatients (Jobes & Drozd, 2004). The results of a retrospective study evaluating the impact of CAMS versus treatment as usual (TAU) on suicidal outpatients are presented. Patients in the CAMS treatment group (n = 25) resolved their suicidality significantly more quickly than TAU patients (n = 30). CAMS was also significantly associated with decreased medical health care utilization in the 6 months after the start of suicide-related mental health treatment. These results provide promising preliminary support for the effectiveness of CAMS and a foundation for prospective research.

The authors evaluated the continuity model of bulimia nervosa, which suggests that bulimia results from extreme weight concern and dieting practices. Individuals with bulimia, current dieters, restrained nondieters, and unrestrained nondieters were compared on measures of general psychopathology, eating-disorder-specific psychopathology, and overeating. Multiple methods, including questionnaires, clinical interviews, and food records, were used to collect data. The continuity and discontinuity models were tested with trend and regression analyses. The results of most analyses were consistent with the continuity perspective. However, binge eating behaviour exhibited a clear nonlinear trend, which occurred because binge eating was common in bulimic individuals but virtually non-existent in the other 3 groups. Current dieters scored higher than restrained nondieters on restraint/ weight concern, but not on psychopathology or binge eating. Overall, the results suggest that "normal" dieting is associated with psychological, but not consummatory, symptoms of bulimia.

Psychologists working in primary care clinics can have a significant positive impact on preventing suicide. For psychologists working within the behavioral health consultant (BHC) model in primary care, however, the issue of how to appropriately manage suicide risk within this model has yet to be adequately addressed. Given the time-limited and focused nature of the BHC model, it is important to establish a framework for psychologists to provide adequate care that is practical within this model of health care. This article offers 26 empirically supported recommendations for suicide screening, accurate and time-efficient risk assessment, and effective risk management strategies, as well as suggestions for consultation with primary care physicians, all of which are consistent with the BHC model.

Unique challenges arise for clinical researchers designing studies focused on suicidal behaviors due to the inherently high-risk nature of such research. Traditional approaches to clinical trial design are briefly discussed, highlighting the limitations and obstacles of these approaches when working with suicidal individuals. Using their own personal experiences and setbacks from an ongoing clinical suicidology research program, the authors argue for greater emphasis on effectiveness and translational research designs conducted in naturalistic clinical settings to test the practical utility of empirically-supported treatments for suicidal behaviors, to gain new perspectives on suicidal individuals, and to better understand the nature of suicidal risk.

Key Points Question Does group training to build cohesion, shared purpose, and healthy coping for classes of new US Air Force Airmen reduce suicidal thoughts, depression symptoms, and occupational problems? Findings In this cluster randomized clinical trial of 1485 personnel in 215 training classes, the Wingman-Connect program reduced suicidal ideation, depression symptoms, and occupational problems at 1 month by fostering cohesive, healthy classes. Reduced depression symptoms were maintained through 6 months, and the odds of having elevated depression symptoms were lower (odds ratio, 0.80) at either follow-up point. Meaning Wingman-Connect is the first universal prevention program to reduce suicidal ideation and depression in a general Air Force population.