What term describes a sudden positive outlook in a depressed patient that may indicate a risk for suicide?

Study for the AMFTRB Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare smoothly for your examination!

The term that describes a sudden positive outlook in a depressed patient that may indicate a risk for suicide is best identified as "flight into health." This phenomenon is characterized by a brief and unexpected improvement in mood or behavior that may not correlate with significant changes in the individual's underlying depressive condition.

During "flight into health," a patient may appear to demonstrate a renewed sense of vitality or enthusiasm, making them seem less dangerously depressed. However, this can be misleading, as the apparent uplift in spirits may stem from a decision to end their life, as the individual may feel a sense of relief or resolution about their situation. It illustrates a dangerous correlation where the patient's sudden positivity may mask deeper underlying issues, including suicidal ideation.

In contrast, terms like "emergent recovery," "repression reversal," and "hopeful resurgence" do not specifically capture the nuances associated with this risk. For instance, "emergent recovery" typically suggests a sustained improvement in mental health, rather than a fleeting shift that could precede a suicide attempt. "Repression reversal" refers to the unveiling of previously repressed emotions, which does not specifically highlight the suddenness or the context of dangerous uplift. "Hopeful resurgence" conveys a sense of encouraging recovery but lacks

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