Self-harm and suicide Flashcards
What is the definition of self-harm and suicide?
Self-harm - a deliberate, non-fatal act of injuring oneself, done in the knowledge that it is potentially harmful
Suicide – the act of intentionally killing oneself with primary aim of dying
What is the epidemiology of self harm?
Male to female ratio - 1:2
Divorced > Single > Widowed > Married
Two-thirds of people who harm themselves are under 35 years of age
Overdoses and cutting are the most common methods
What are the factors which predict repetition of self harm?
Number of previous episodes A diagnosis of personality disorder History of violence Alcohol misuse/dependence Being unmarried
What are factors indicating suicidal intent?
Precautions to avoid intervention (e.g. isolation, timing)
Planning
Leaving a suicide note
Anticipatory acts (e.g. leaving a will, settling debts)
Use of violent methods
Perceived lethality by the patient
What is the epidemiology of suicide?
Male to female ratio= 3:1 ( Second leading cause of death among 15-29 years olds
1 death every 40 seconds
Over 800,000 deaths per year worldwide
What should people who have self-harm receive?
Receive physical treatment for their injuries
Referred for specialist psychosocial assessment by the secondary mental health services
What should people who have self-harmed and are already involved with mental health services receive?
Have a risk management plan created
Have a discussion with the lead healthcare professional about psychological interventions for people who self harm
What are the common methods of suicide?
45% hanging/strangling 23% overdose 10% jumping/ multiple injuries 5% drowning 4% carbon monoxide poisoning 3% cutting/stabbing 2% firearms
What is section 5 of the mental health act?
Doctors holding power when waiting for review of section 2/3
Duration: 72 hours
One doctor
Doesn’t allow: treatment, another 5(2) back to back, use in A+E or outpatients
What are community treatment orders?
When a person is treated under the MHA and still lives in the community
Only relates to psychiatric care
If the person seeks medical advice about circumstances that are a direct
consequence of their mental illness, psychiatric care must be given
All treatments should be given according to the MHA
How is capacity assessed?
Understanding information
Retaining information
Weighing up the information
Communicating the decision by any means
What is the 2 stage test for assessing capacity?
Stage 1 - Is there evidence that the person has a Disturbance of mind or brain that is affecting their functioning? This may be temporary or permanent
Stage 2 - Can they understand, retain, weigh up and communicate the information relevant to the decision?
