Suicide Flashcards
What defines suicide attempt (3 key elements)
- Agency: self-initiated. Whether the person used the instrument themselves or they provoke something so that they die (death by cop)
- Intent for death.
- Outcome: person believes that the behavior will lead to death outcome. What matters is if the person thinks that what they are doing is dangerous for their death.
are suicide and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior part of the dsm5?
Not disorders in the DSM. But included under “conditions for further study”
Is suicide more common in males or females in Canada?
Males
Are suicide attempts more common in males or females in North America?
Females
Which Canadian population has some of the highest rates of suicide in the world?
Indigenous people.
What are the most common methods used to attempt suicide (in order)?
Poisoning, Cutting, Stabbing.
What are the most common methods of death by suicide (in order) in the US vs Canada?
- firearm (us), hanging (can)
- suffocation (us), suffocation (can)
- poisoning (us), poisoning (can)
- fall (us), firearm (can)
Name three possible protective factors against suicide.
Treatment (psychosocial or pharmaceutical), strong cultural/religious beliefs against suicide, high family support (examples).
Name two traits that may be inherited and increase suicide risk?
Impulsivity and Fearlessness.
According to Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal Psychological Theory, what reduces the fear of pain and death?
Exposure to painful and fearsome stimuli.
Makes it easier to approach the task of attempting suicide
What are the three components of the 3-Step Theory (Klonsky & May) that contribute to suicide risk?
Practical Capability – Having the means to attempt suicide (e.g., access to lethal means).
Dispositional Capability – Personal traits or genetic factors that increase pain tolerance.
Acquired Capability – Becoming desensitized to pain and fear of death through repeated exposure.
What is the typical age of onset for NSSI compared to suicide attempts?
NSSI has a slightly earlier age of onset (around 13) compared to suicide attempts (around 16).
Name three possible functions of NSSI
Affect regulation, anti-dissociation, anti-suicide, self-punishment
What is the relationship between NSSI and suicide attempts?
Many people who attempt suicide have a history of NSSI, BUT most people with a history of NSSI do not go on to attempt suicide.
