If someone, for example, took a bunch of pills and ended up at the ER, how would the dr. be able to differentiate if the person was trying to commit suicide or were "simply" engaging in SH? Would they be treated differently?

I'm just thinking because if it was classified as a suicide attempt, the person would likely have to stay for 72 hours for observation (I realize this is different in different locations). BUT, if it was classified as SH, and they didn't have the direct intent to kill themselves, wouldn't they not have to stay for 72 hours because they weren't necessarily an immediate threat to themselves?

Maybe I'm way off, or maybe there is an easy answer... I was just curious