Real-time monitoring of nonlinear suicidal dynamics: methodology and a demonstrative case report

In recent years, a number of different authors have stressed the usefulness of nonlinear dynamic systems approach in suicide research and suicide prevention. This approach applies specific methods of time series analysis and, consequently, it requires a continuous and fine-meshed assessment of the p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Clemens eFartacek, Günter Karl Schiepek, Sabine eKunrath, Reinhold eFartacek, Martin ePlöderl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2016-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00130/full
Description
Summary:In recent years, a number of different authors have stressed the usefulness of nonlinear dynamic systems approach in suicide research and suicide prevention. This approach applies specific methods of time series analysis and, consequently, it requires a continuous and fine-meshed assessment of the processes under consideration. The technical means for this kind of process assessment and process analysis are now available. This paper outlines how suicidal dynamics can be monitored in high-risk patients by an Internet-based application for continuous self-assessment with integrated tools of nonlinear time series analysis: the Synergetic Navigation System. This procedure is illustrated by data from a patient who attempted suicide at the end of a 90-day monitoring period. Additionally, future research topics and clinical applications of a nonlinear dynamic systems approach in suicidology are discussed.
ISSN:1664-1078