suicide

Question 1

what separates self-harm from suicide attempt?

Answer 1

regulate affect, way to punish self, lower lethality

Question 2

what is the physiology of suicide?

Answer 2

• low serotonin in raphe nuclei, potentially due to tryptophan hydroxylase defect
• genetics
• medications

Question 3

T/F: early SSRI use can increase risk of suicide attempts

Answer 3

F. only increases ideation, not attempts

Question 4

what other medications, besides antidepressants, are protective against suicide?

Answer 4

lithium, clozapine

Question 5

what is the most important RF for suicide attempts?

Answer 5

previous attempt

Question 6

how does substance use contribute to increasing suicide risk?

Answer 6

increase lethality of attempts, impair judgment, intense dysphoria from withdrawal

Question 7

list some protective factors for suicide:

Answer 7

family cohesiveness, parenthood, social support, pregnancy, religion

Question 8

what is the goal of suicide risk assessment?

Answer 8

identify risk/protective factors, reduce risk (does not predice suicide)