Self-Harm and Suicide Flashcards
What is self-harm?
Intentional act usually to express emotional distress
What are the stages involved in management of self harm?
1 Acute management - suture wound, antidotes 2 Assess risk - consider MHA section 2 3 Treat psychiatric issue 4 Resolve social issues 5 Future planning
What can be given acutely for self-poisoning?
Activated charcoal - if within 1 hour of ingestion - reduce absorption
What is the antidote for paracetamol OD?
N-Acetylcysteine
What is the antidote for Opiate OD?
Naloxone
What is the antidote for Benzodiazepine OD? Why is it never actually given in practice?
Flumazenil
Patients over take a mixed OD with TCAs and the benzodiazepines prevent TCA related seizures occurring. Therefore if you reverse the benzodiazepines the patient is likely to seize
What is the antidote for beta blocker OD?
Glucagon
What is the antidote for tricyclic antidepressant OD?
Sodium bicarbonate
What is the antidote for organophosphate poisoning?
Atropine
What is suicide?
Fatal act of self-harm done with the intention of ending one’s own life
What are the risk factors for suicide?
Male Previous attempt at self harm Socially isolated Drug and alcohol abuse Long term health condition Mental health condition: depression and schizophrenia
What are the protective factors against suicide?
Supportive family
Children
Religious belief
How can you try to prevent suicide?
Public education Reduce access to means to suicide - safe prescribing Rapid access to care - samaritans Decrease societal stressors Reduce substance misuse National suicide prevention lifeline
What in a history would make you think suicide was an attempt at killing oneself vs a cry for help?
Tried to avoid discovery
Planned rather than spontaneous
Wrote a note
Sorted out affairs like finances, pet care
