Extrahospital handling of patients with autolytic behaviors Section: Featured Articles How to quote Gómez Rodríguez A, Montero Rodríguez MG, Domínguez Rodríguez E. Manejo extrahospitalario de pacientes con comportamientos autolíticos. Metas Enferm 2013; 16(2):27-31. Authors1Antonio Gómez Rodríguez, 2Mª de Gracia Montero Rodríguez, 2Encarnación Domínguez Rodríguez Position 1Enfermero, Hospital Virgen Macarena (Psiquiatría). Sevilla.2Enfermera Dispositivo Apoyo Distrito Norte Sevilla. Contact address Antonio Gómez Rodríguez. C/ Concepción, 13. 41410 Carmona (Sevilla). Contact email: agrenfermero@hotmail.com Abstract Suicide, autolytic gesture or autolytic ideation is a huge sociocultural and healthcare problem and has undergone a 60% rise in the worldwide population over the past 45 years. The definition of suicidal behavior makes reference to a number of behaviors related to ideas of suicide, attempted suicide and completed suicide. The ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases defines suicide as an act with a lethal outcome, deliberately attempted and completed by the individual, knowing or expecting the lethal outcome and in which death is a means of achieving desired changes in the conscious activity and in the social environment. The need of learning to recognize and handle the feelings and behaviors which patients with autolytic behaviors can cause in professionals and which can interfere in the proper assessment and care of these patients is another of the objectives which must never be overlooked so as to reduce the anxiety of the professional, the patient and the patient’s environment. The purpose of this article consists of describing, as a guide for rapid intervention, the different steps to take for both identifying and handling possible autolytic behaviors, as well as identifying the different options to be followed answering a call from a patient who has carried out or wants to carry out an autolytic gesture. Keywords: autolytic behavior; NANDA; NIC; NOC; nurse care; referral criteria; SAD PERSONS scalesuicide Versión en Español Título: Manejo extrahospitalario de pacientes con comportamientos autolíticos