Self Harm And Suicide

Question 1

List the factors associated with an increased risk of suicide

Answer 1

Male, Hx self-harm, alcohol or drug misuse, Hx mental illness (depression, schizophrenia), Hx chronic disease, advancing age, unemployment or social isolation, being unmarried, divorced or widowed.

Question 2

Name the factors associated with an increased risk of completed suicide at a future date

Answer 2

Efforts to avoid discovery, planning, leaving a written note, sorting out finances, violent method e.g. hanging or shooting.

Question 3

Name the protective factors which reduce the risk of a patient committing suicide

Answer 3

Family support, children at home, religious belief, regretting an attempt.

Question 4

What are the most common methods of self-harm?

Answer 4

Over dose and cutting.

Question 5

What mental illnesses are associated with self-harm?

Answer 5

Acute stress reaction, PTSD, adjustment disorder, depression, bipolar, BPD, psychosis, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, panic disorder.

Question 6

Are females or males more likely to self harm?

Answer 6

Females.

Question 7

Name the possible complications from self harm?

Answer 7

Acute liver failure, scarring of skin, tendon/nerve damage, repetition of self harm, suicide.

Question 8

What is the average age of suicide for both men and women?

Answer 8

45-49

Question 9

Name some common methods of suicide

Answer 9

Overdose, hanging, pesticides, firearms.

Question 10

What are the reasons for self harm?

Answer 10

Expressing emotions, attention/care-seeking, communication, punishment, relief, sense of control, stop feeling numb/disconnected/dissociated, escape traumatic memories, turn emotional pain into physical pain.

Question 11

What is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide completion?

Answer 11

Previous Hx of suicide.

Question 12

At what age does self harming peak?

Answer 12

Teenagers and early 20s.