Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Question 1

Suicide or completed suicide is…

Answer 1

the act of intentionally ending one’s own life and opting for nonexistence.

Question 2

Suicide attempt includes…

Answer 2

all willful, self-inflicted, life-threatening attempts that have not led to death.

Question 3

Suicidal ideation means…

Answer 3

a person is thinking about self-harm.

Question 4

Suicide can be understood from the perspective of the…

Answer 4

religious, philosophical, sociological, psychological and biological.

Question 5

The greatest number of suicides occur in those of…

Answer 5

younger and middle aged adults

Question 6

The generation most at risk for suicide is…

Answer 6

the baby boomers

Question 7

Among all age groups, those with the greatest risk for suicide are…

Answer 7

those with a diagnosable psychiatric condition (90%)

Question 8

Suicide is the ____ leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15 to 24.

Answer 8

Third

Question 9

Suicide is the ____ leading cause of death for those between the ages of 25 to 34.

Answer 9

Second

Question 10

Suicide is the ____ leading cause of death for those between the ages of 35 to 44.

Answer 10

Third

Question 11

Suicide is the ____ leading cause of death for those between the ages of 55 to 64.

Answer 11

Eighth

Question 12

The risk of suicide in people with a major depressive disorder is about ___ times that of the general population

Answer 12

20

Question 13

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to..

Answer 13

any trauma to the head that affects brain functioning. It is estimated that between 15 and 23% of veterans have a TBI.

Question 14

Those with traumatic brain injuries are more likely to be …

Answer 14

diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, adjustment disorders, psychosis, and bipolar disorders.

Question 15

SAD PERSON SCALE

Answer 15

• SEX (male) +1
• AGE (<19 to >45) +1
• DEPRESSION +2
• PREVIOUS ATTEMPT +1
• EXCESS ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE +1
• RATIONAL THINKING LOSS +1
• SEPARATED, WIDOWED, DIVORCED +1
• ORGANIZED PLAN OR SERIOUS ATTEMPT +2
• NO SOCIAL SUPPORT +1
• STATED FUTURE ATTEMPT +1
• 0-5 may send home with followup care
• 6-8 probably requires evaluation
• >8 admission for observation

Question 16

Assessment for suicide

Answer 16

1. Ask “Are you thinking of harming yourself”
2. Assess precipitating event “Is there something difficult your are facing”
3. Assess risk factors and protective factors
4. Asssess hx of suicide & degree of hopelessness
5. With hx of suicide assess
   
   1. intent
   2. lethality
   3. injury
6. Evaluate age, medical condition, or psychiatric dx for increased risk
7. Look for red flags
8. If outpatient assess
   
   1. social supports
   2. significant others knowledge of s/s
   3. knowledge of community resources