Risk assessment + management

Question 1

What should be done if a person presents with frequent episodes of self-harm?

Answer 1

MDT review - agree a joint plan and approach
develop a care plan
develop a safety plan

Question 2

Key risk factors for self harm

Answer 2

previous self harm
depression
alcohol misuse
physical illness
low socioeconomic status
relationship breakdown

Question 3

Red flags - heightened risk of attempted suicide

Answer 3

perception of lack of social support, living alone
males (may not disclose extent of distress or suicidal thoughts)
stressful life events
LGBT
ethnic minority
substance misuse
feeling close to someone who died by suicide
use of suicide-promoting websites or social media
access to lethal means
previous self-harm or suicide attempts
mental illness
disengagement from mental health services
long-term medical conditions, pain
high degree of emotional pain + negative thoughts
suicidal ideas becoming worse
psychotic phenomena

Question 4

What factors increase risk of harm to others?

Answer 4

heightened state of arousal
persecutory delusions
delusional jealousy
delusions of control
grievance
retaliation
saving others
command hallucinations
lack of insight

Question 5

What is involved in a safety plan?

Answer 5

reasons for living and/or ideas for getting through tough times
making situation safer - removing means
identify + avoid distress triggers
things to lift or calm mood
distractions
sources of support

Question 6

What are the stages of risk management plan?

Answer 6

assess - assess risk
draw up - draw up risk management plan
share - share risk management plan
ensure - ensure risk management plan is being carried out
evaluate - evaluate outcome of risk management plan
undertake - undertake clinical review

Question 7

What risks could be identified in a psychiatric consultation?

Answer 7

to self
to others
from others
property

Question 8

Name some risks to self

Answer 8

suicide
self harm
self neglect
financial
relational

Question 9

Name some risks to others

Answer 9

violence
sexual assault
neglect of dependents
criminal acts
financial
carer fatigue

Question 10

Name some risks from others

Answer 10

cuckooing
radicalisation
coercion
financial abuse
sex working
violence
neglect