Self Harm Flashcards
what should you use instead of “attempted suicide”?
deliberate self harm
what’s the main difference between deliberate self harm patients and suicide patients psychologically?
suicide patients tend to have a severe, sustained major mental illness
what gender has higher suicide rates in general?
men
death from suicide peaks at what age in low and middle income countries?
early 20s
death from suicide peaks at what age in high income countries?
early 20s
middle age
most common methods of suicide in scotland by gender?
hanging (m)
poisoning (f)
there is a seasonal element to suicide T or F
T
spring peak
autumn drop
why is there a peak in suicide in spring?
people are generally more happy so you feel more alienated
being born in what season gives you a higher suicide rate?
spring
cancer diagnoses have an exponential effect on suicide rate T or F
F
diagnoses of what kind of conditions increase suicide rate?
debilitating long-term neurological conditions
religious affiliation increases suicide risk T or F
F, decreases it massively
patients with a Hx of DSH have a lower level of what in their CSF?
HAA (metabolite for serotonin)
regulation of what hormonal feedback pathway is different in those who have been sexually abused?
hypothalamic-pituitary axis
what psychiatric medication is known to reduce suicide risk?
lithium
strongest risk factor for suicide?
history of DSH
how could you demonstrate empathy to a suicidal patient without saying you understand them?
“i understand from what i’m told that you’re in a dark place right now”
questions to ask in a suicide Hx?
antecedents
the episode
mental state then and now
how can you help to counsel a patient in suicidal crisis?
help them to solve their problem ie look for past episodes when they have solved problems
family/friends
make a safety plan
comorbid risk factors for suicide?
stroke
heart disease
chronic pain syndromes
what factors indicate that a patient is likely to self harm/attempt suicide again?
they have feelings of hopelessness
