Suicide

Question 1

Four Elements of suicide risk assessment

Answer 1

~ ideation - (passive vs active) I want the universe to take me vs. I want to kill myself.
~ intent - do they have actual intent
~ plan - what is the plan
~ means - can they carry it out, aka gun, meds and so on

Question 2

Firearms

Answer 2

Over 50% of all suicides involve them

Question 3

Alcohol

Answer 3

1/2 of suicides involve alcohol

Question 4

Women

Answer 4

twice as likely to attempt, 1/4 as likely to complete

Question 5

Contract for Safety

Answer 5

contract between suicidal patients and provider for the management of risks. A list of steps to take when feeling suicidal

Question 6

Involuntary Commitment

Answer 6

We can have someone involuntary committed for up to 72 hrs, if we deem them to be in imminent danger of harm to self or harm to someone else, and you have compelling evidence.

Question 7

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer 7

~ If I ask them about suicide, won’t I just be planting the idea in their head?
~ If someone is determined to commit suicide, isn’t it impossible to stop them?
~ Isn’t it true that anyone who could commit suicide must be completely crazy?
~ Aren’t most people who hint at suicide just looking for attention?

Question 8

Social Contagion

Answer 8

Increased after high profile suicide, rates of suicides and attempted suicide increase after high profile suicide for about a month. Single vehicle accidents go up also, as well as gun accidents.

Question 9

Parasuicidality

Answer 9

people who hurt themselves but are not trying to kill themselves. self harm behavior, most cases not looking for attention, looking for a release, triggers endorphins and endocanabanoides (body’s natural opiates). inadvertent way that people stumble onto to numb pain, is very dangerous and addictive. physical pain circuitry cross wired with emotional circuitry