Suicide and Self Harm

Question 1

Suicide risk over lifespan

Answer 1

Starts at 10
Increases until 24
Peaks at 50
Decreases until 70
After 70, males increase and females decrease

Question 2

Is being aboriginal a risk factor for suicide?

Answer 2

No!

These populations are over represented due to systemic barriers and discrimination

Question 3

Unintentional self injury

Answer 3

Accidents and trauma with no intention of self injury
Includes risk taking behaviours (accidental alcohol overdose, accidental firearm discharge, choking out injuries)
May even result in death

Question 4

Self injurious behaviours

Answer 4

Usually the terminology used for persons with intellectual disabilities
Ex: hair pulling, skin picking, head banging, self biting

Question 5

Non suicidal self injury

Answer 5

The preferred nomenclature for any intentional self-injury which has a motivation other than death
Ex: therapeutic cutting, burning, purging, strangulation, non-lethal overdoses, running away unsafely

Question 6

Suicide gesture

Answer 6

Any behaviour or communication demonstrated that is suicidal in content, design, words chosen, or feelings elicited
Intent is not required for a gesture

Question 7

Suicide attempt

Answer 7

Any self directed behaviour with the intent of death of self
Lethality of the behaviour must be present, unless the person is impaired by age of ID
The behaviour must have been undertaken

Question 8

4 risk factors for self-injury

Answer 8

Depressive mood
Social sharing
Victimization/trauma
Family/friend loneliness

Question 9

2 biological factors found in people who self injury

Answer 9

They have less endorphins in their spinal fluid

Report greater euphoria when given synthetic opioids

Question 10

4 predictive risk factors for suicide

Answer 10

Previous episodes of self harm
Previous suicidal intent
Physical health problems
Male gender

Question 11

4 C’s of suicide assessment

Answer 11

Collateral history
Confidence
Common sense
Changeability

Question 12

Active vs passive ideation

Answer 12

Active: suicidal ideation with an actual plan
Passive: thoughts that life sometimes isnt worse living (not an emergency)

Question 13

Some changeable risk factors

Answer 13

Access to lethality
Untreated mental health disorder
Worsening mental health disorder
Dealing with recent loss/life crisis
Lack of social or formal support
No access to health care
Non-response to medication
Caregiver/family unavailable to care
Addictions

Question 14

3 questions to screen for suicidality

Answer 14

1. Has anything been stressing you out lately
2. Have you been feeling hopeless/worthless/like life is not worth living
3. Have you had any thoughts of suicide