Suicide

Question 1

What are the demographic risk factors for completed suicide?

Answer 1

1. Male
2. Elderly
3. Low socioeconomic status/ unemployment
4. Divorced/ widowed/ single
5. Living alone/poor social support

Question 2

What are the individual risk factors for completed suicide?

Answer 2

1. Previous suicide attempts
2. Mental illness- major depressive disorder highest risk, then anorexia nervosa
3. Comorbid physical illness
4. Recent bereavement
5. Dependence on alcohol and drugs
6. Sexual absue or abuse during childhood
7. Certain population- doctros, vets, dentistis, prison inmates

Question 3

What should you ask about in a parasuicide assessment?

Answer 3

• Method of suicide
• Was it planned or impulsive
• Any final acts
• Any triggers?
• Where did the act take place ie did they plan to be found
• What did they do after?
• Suicidal intent now?

Question 4

What is the tool use to monitor ongoing suicide risk?

Answer 4

TASR- tool for assessment of suicide risk

Question 5

When do you admit a patient to hospital for suicide?

How do you manage a patient who reattends for suicide?

Answer 5

If they display ongoing suicidal intent

Management plan, with community mental health

also community or liason psyhiatry team if urgent follow up required and not known to services or already has underlying condition

Question 6

What are the investigation in suicidal patients especially one with overdose?

Answer 6

1. FCB, U and E’s , LFT’s, ABG, ECG, urinary drug screen

2. Consider activated charcoal if taken meds (reduces absorption)

Question 7

What psychological therapies are indicated for suicide?

Answer 7

Dialectical behavioural therapy

CBT