Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm Flashcards
What conditions are suicide and DSH associated with?
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
What is DSH?
Coverers everything from self-harm, to a cry for help, to failed suicide attempts.
What age group mostly suffers from DSH?
Mostly <35YO
Why might people DSH?
DSH as a coping mechanism
DSH as a cry for help
DSH as failed suicide
What is classed as suicide?
Successful suicide only
What group is most likely to commit suicide?
Mostly >60YO
What elevates the risk of suicide?
DSH
What are the major risk factors for suicide?
- Suicide plan or ideas of self-harm
- Unexplained guilt or worthlessness
- Inability to function (ie. Psychomotor retardation or agitation)
- Concentration impaired
- Impaired appetite
- Decreased sleep/early waking
- Energy low, or unaccountable fatigue
What sex is most likely to commit suicide?
Male
What sex is most likely to commit DSH?
Female
What are risk factors for suicide and DSH?
Living alone/social isolation Immigrant Bereavement/separation/divorce Loss of job/retirement Drug/alcohol abuse Severe depression Painful chronic illness
What things should you enquire about when assessing a failed suicide attempt?
Cause- Resolved now or still a problem Premeditated or impulsive Note Effort not to be discovered Setting- Away from home etc Would they do it again? Psychiatric symptoms Social support system Previous DSH Physical illness
What are some absolute indications for referring a failed suicide?
Clinical depression Psychotic illness Preplanned attempt not intended to be discovered Persistent suicidal intent Violent method used
What are some lesser indications for referring a failed suicide?
Alcohol/drug misuse Male in age risk categories Family history of suicide Serious incurable physical illness Living alone Unresolved crisis Persistent attempts
What is one of the best predictors of suicide?
Hopelessness
