Suicide Flashcards
why people choose suicide
secondary to terminal illness
feeling like a burden to others
feeling in an untenable situation
punishment for unacceptable behavior
adolescent suicide facts
reaches peak in middle adolescence
white teens > black teens
3rd leading cause of death in teens
suicide risk factors in teens
loss of significant relationship suicide of important figure divorce of parents break up not reaching a goal only child previous suicide attempt hx of conduct disorder
highest suicide rates
age 20-24
whites
white men > 65
anyone > 65
“SAD PERSONS”
S - sex ^ in males A - age ^ w/ age D - depression = ^ risk P - previous attempt E - ETOH/substance abuse R - rational thinking loss S - social support system (little/none) O - organized plan N - no spouse S - sickness (physical illness, recent childbirth/surgery)
other risk factors
family member of suicide victims
recent life even precipitators
initiation of antidepressant med - rapid ^ in energy level gives enough energy to commit suicide
sociocultural theory
suicide is r/t the deterioration of relationships within society
self-inflicted death is seen as honorable
interpersonal & intrapsychic theory
suicide may result when people experience no close relationships with others
biologic theory
errors in serotonin receptors that v the levels of serotonin which is linked to depression & suicide
- genetics may play a role in the serotonin receptor
cognitive theory
dichotomous thinking/constriction of thought is ^ in people who are suicidal & have difficulty making choices
- options seen as living or dying
assessment
overt clues covert clues lethality substance use & abuse communication depression/mood disorders
overt clues
pt directly letting people know they are planning to take their life
covert clues
pt indirectly hints that they are considering suicide
- giving away possessions, etc.
lethality
nurse’s attempt to predict the likelihood of suicide by direct communication w/ the pt, determination of the lethality of proposed method, evaluation of the pts ability & intent to act on the plan
interventions: communication
encourage pts to speak openly about thoughts of suicide
acknowledge thoughts/actions of self-harm/suicide in a non-judgemental manner
assist pt to find non-harmful alternatives to suicide
do not joke about death or belittle the pt
observe, record, & report any changes in the pt mood
assis pt to ID triggers of suicidal thoughts
assign same staff members initially
