04c_Suicide Flashcards
Suicide Risk Factors:
Age
45-54: highest total males and females
45-54: females
75+: males
Suicide Risk Factors:
Gender
Females: 2-3x more attempts
Males: 4x more completion
Suicide Risk Factors:
Gender and Method
Males: More lethal
(e.g. gun, hanging, CO)
Females: poison or drugs
(often barbituates)
Suicide Risk Factors:
Race/Ethnicity
Whites have highest rates for most age groups
Except: American Indians/Alaskan Natives 15-34yo
2.5x national average
Suicide Risk Factors:
Marital status, highest to lowest risk
Divorced, separated, and widowed
Single
Married
Suicide Risk Factors:
Previous attempts
60 to 80% of people who commit suicide have made at least one previous attempt
Suicide Risk Factors:
Suicidal Ideation
80% of people commit suicide give a definite warning of their intention
Suicide Risk Factors:
Early Warning Signs
Threatening self-harm or suicide
Writing or talking about death or suicide
Seeking a means to commit suicide
Making preparations for dying
Suicide Risk Factors:
Psychosocial stressors
Failure at work or school
Rejection by a loved one
Living alone
Absence of social support
Adolescent suicide attempts/completion are often immediately preceded by an interpersonal conflict such as:
Rejection by a boyfriend or girlfriend
Argument with a parent
Suicide Risk Factors:
Most Common Psychiatric Disorders
Most suicide victims have a psychiatric diagnosis
MDD and Bipolar disorder are most common
Suicide Risk Factors:
Depression Comorbidities for Adolescents
Conduct disorder
Substance use disorder
ADHD
Suicide Risk Factors:
Personality factors
Self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism
Suicide Interventions:
Hospitalization
Recent suicide attempt
Imminent Risk
Initially encourage voluntary hospitalization
Initiate involuntary hold if unwilling to self-admit
Outpatient Crisis Suicide Intervention
Moderate risk: Intent + Access to lethal means
Fair or good judgment
Adequate social support
Treatment Compliant
