Suicidal Behaviour

Question 1

Suicide attempters are divided into four groups, based on the manner in which they approach the attempt. What are they?

Answer 1

1. Those that don’t intent to die.
2. The ‘Gamblers’
3. Those that seriously intend to die, but unforeseen factors intervene and save their lives.
4. The successful attempters.

Question 2

Describe the mannerisms of a 1X which doesn’t intend to die.

Answer 2

Gestures are often dramatic and persistent.
May take a quantity of pills and then tell someone so they can be rushed to medical help.
Sometimes found 1S with a surprised look on their face - may have gone too far.

Question 3

Describe the mannerisms of a 1X who is a ‘Gambler’.

Answer 3

Willing to let fate or some other person determine whether they live or die. Eg: Russian Roulette.
Remain uncertain if they wish to live or die, often wanting to do both at the same time.

Question 4

Describe the mannerisms of a 1X who wishes to die, but unforeseen circumstances save them?

Answer 4

Despite the seriousness of their attempt, they often welcome rescue and a later grateful that they were saved.

Question 5

Suicidal clues are classified into four broad categories. What are they?

Answer 5

1. Verbal Clues
2. Behavioural Clues
3. Situational Communications
4. Syndromatic Communications

Question 6

Describe verbal clues:

Answer 6

Direct (I'm going to kill myself)
Indirect or coded messages (I wont have to worry about that any longer)
Vague statements (he might "do something" or expressions of "getting out of control")

Question 7

Describe behavioral clues:

Answer 7

Direct (History or previous attempts)

Indirect (Suddenly making a will, giving away prized possessions)

Question 8

Describe Situational communications:

Answer 8

Situations which are so stressful that they lead to desperate attempts to escape them through suicidal behaviour. (eg: prison)

Question 9

What are the symptoms associated with Syndromatic Communications?

Answer 9

Sleep Difficulty
Loss of weight
Fearfulness
Fatigue
Loss of interest
Irritability
Feeling of self-deprecation
Feelings of hopelessness
Changes in drinking patterns