Self-harm Flashcards
What is the common practice for risk stratification of psychiatric patients?
Patients are stratified into ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low risk’.
What does the evidence say about the predictive value of individual suicide risk factors?
There is a paucity of evidence addressing the positive predictive value of individual risk factors.
What conclusion did a BMJ review reach regarding suicide risk assessments?
‘There is no evidence that these assessments can usefully guide decision making’.
What percentage of suicides occur in patients deemed ‘low risk’?
50% of suicides occur in patients deemed ‘low risk’.
What are some factors associated with an increased risk of suicide?
Factors include male sex, history of deliberate self-harm, alcohol or drug misuse, history of mental illness, depression, schizophrenia, history of chronic disease, advancing age, unemployment or social isolation, and being unmarried, divorced, or widowed.
What is the hazard ratio for male sex as a risk factor for suicide?
The hazard ratio is approximately 2.0.
What is the hazard ratio for a history of deliberate self-harm?
The hazard ratio is 1.7.
What is the hazard ratio for alcohol or drug misuse?
The hazard ratio is 1.6.
What percentage of people with schizophrenia will complete suicide according to NICE?
NICE estimates that 10% of people with schizophrenia will complete suicide.
What factors increase the risk of completed suicide after a previous attempt?
Factors include efforts to avoid discovery, planning, leaving a written note, final acts such as sorting out finances, and using a violent method.
What are some protective factors that reduce the risk of suicide?
Protective factors include family support, having children at home, and religious belief.
