Risk assessment Flashcards
Q: What are the key types of risk in mental health?
Risk to self (suicide, self-harm, neglect, substance misuse).
Risk to others (violence, aggression, exploitation).
Risk of neglect (failure to care for oneself, poor housing, malnutrition).
Q: What are static risk factors?
A: Fixed, historical factors that do not change, such as:
Male gender
Young age
History of violence or offending behavior
Low socio-economic status
Substance misuse
Previous admissions to secure units or prison
Q: What are dynamic risk factors?
Factors that can change over time and be modified by treatment, such as:
Paranoid persecutory delusions
Violent command hallucinations
Lack of insight into illness
Intoxication
Non-compliance with medication
Q: What is “imminence” in risk assessment?
A: The immediate likelihood of harm occurring, based on known triggers, expressions of intent, and signs of agitation or frustration.
Q: What are common suicide methods in different age groups?
Under 75s: Hanging/strangulation (47%).
Over 75s: Self-poisoning.
What mnemonic is used to assess suicide risk?
Specificity (detailed plan = higher risk).
Lethality (more lethal methods = higher risk).
Availability (access to means = higher risk).
Proximity (isolation increases risk).
Q: What is risk management?
A: The process of developing flexible strategies to prevent negative events or minimize harm.
Q: What are key components of a safety plan?
A:
Reasons to live
Safe environment
Coping strategies
Support contacts (personal & professional)
Emergency contacts
Q: What are protective factors against suicide?
A:
Strong family and community support
Religious and cultural beliefs that discourage suicide
Problem-solving skills
Access to good mental health care
