Suicide

Question 1

Red flags for suicide in elderly

Answer 1

Reading about suicide and death
Sleep patterns disrupted
Increased alcohol use
Can’t take care of self/follow medical orders
Sudden firearm interest
Stockpiling medication
Social withdrawal/elaborate goodbyes
Rush to complete/revise will

Question 2

Risk factors for suicide

Answer 2

SAD PERSONS

Sex (male>)
Age >60years
Depression
Previous attempt
Ethanol use
Rational thinking loss (hallucinations, delusions)
Suicide in family
Organised plan
No spouse
Serious illness/extreme pain

Question 3

What is parasuicide?

Answer 3

Attempt to try and kill yourself for attention

Question 4

Psychiatric RF for suicide

Answer 4

Depression
Substance related disorders
Schizophrenia
Alcohol related conditions
Anxiety disorders

Question 5

Psychosocial RF for suicide

Answer 5

Personality disorders = borderline, antisocial, narcissist, obsessive compulsive

Question 6

Biomedical RF for suicide

Answer 6

Chronic pain
Serious physical illness
Physical Disability/TBI
Medication
Sleep disturbance

Question 7

Socioeconomic RF for suicide

Answer 7

Low and high socioeconomic class
Occupation = Doctors, dentists, police
Unemployed

Question 8

Social RF for suicide

Answer 8

Relationships
> previously married >never married>married>married with children
> ending of meaningful relationship
> divorced men (ego affected)

Religion
>protective role eg Muslims, Roman Catholics

Question 9

Methods of suicide

Answer 9

Hanging
Exsanguination
Gun-shot
Medication overdose
Asphyxiation
Pesticide poisoning
Blunt force trauma

Question 10

RF for elderly suicide

Answer 10

> 65 years old
Loss of loved one
Loss of independence
Lonely and isolated
Physical illness
Major life changes eg retirement
Undiagnosed and untreated depression

Question 11

RF for teenager suicide

Answer 11

Depression
Self esteem issues
Exposure to other teen suicide
Recent traumatic event
Hostile school environment
Lack of support network
Availability of a gun