The psychiatric suicidologist must have skills over and above those of psychiatrists in general. A person who is action-oriented, community-conscious and able to work well with people in a variety of other fields is generally more successful. The suicidologist should also be well informed on pharmacology and internal medicine, well equipped to evaluate the medical as well as the psychiatric emergency. The ability to be self-critical and aware of one's own limitations is of particular importance. Suggestions for training the psychiatric suicidologist are offered.
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