Suicide and Self-Harm Flashcards
How many people die every year from suicide
800,000
What is the proper term for attempted suicide
Non-fatal deliberate self harm
Which sex is most likely to commit suicide
Men
Which countries have a higher death toll from suicide
Low and middle income countries
Often peaks earlier
What are the most common methods of suicide in Scotland
Hanging - men
Poisoning - women
When did suicide rates drop and why
Greatest dip in suicide rates in WW1, WW2 and 60s
WW due to greatest feeling of cohesion within society
Change in 60s due to change from toxic coal gas to north sea gas- restricting the lethality of sticking your head in the oven
Which sex favours violent methods of suicide
Men
More likely to hang themselves
Women favour non-violent means like overdosing
Which social classes have higher rates of suicide
More deprived groups
Also more common in urban areas
Which season has the greatest number of suicides
Spring
Lowest incidence is in autumn
Marriage is associated with higher suicide rates - true or false
False
Marriage has the lowest suicide rate
More likely if single, separated or widowed
Which professions have the highest suicide rates
Dentists, Doctors, Farmers, construction workers, unskilled labourer’s
This is because they have access to means
Most suicides have mental health issues at their time of death - true or false
True
Around 90% will be mentally ill at the time
Which adverse effects can lead to suicide
Childhood abuse
Particularly sexual assault
Media reporting of suicide can affect the incidence - true or false
True
If media reporting specifies the details or particular difficulties the person was having the rates increase
Get clusters of suicides
Is self harm more common than suicide
Yes
10:1 ratio
Which group has the highest incidence of self harm
Young women
Females have a higher rate
How is cholesterol associated with suicide and self harm
Low cholesterol associated with increased self harm and suicide
Has a role associated with 5-HT (serotonin)
what is the biggest risk factor for suicide
History of deliberate self harm
Around 40% of suicides have a history of self harm
Which factors are associated with increased suicide risk
Age under 20 or over 44 Male Unemployed Single, separated or divorced Isolated or living alone Poor health - chronic or severe physical illness Major psychiatric illness - including history of depression Psychosis - active Drug or alcohol abuse Violent DSH Active and organised plan Previous suicide attempt
Why do people deliberately self harm
To die To escape anguish - get relief from emotion To feel something - get rid of numbness To escape a situation To display desperation To influence others - get their support To get help
What is the definition of deliberate self harm
Any self inflicted injury
e.g. self-poisoning, cutting, burning etc.
What is the most common type of deliberate self harm
Self-poisoning
Then self-inflicted injuries
Which factors are associated with deliberate self harm
Female Younger Chronic social and family problems May have psych illness or personality disorder Alcohol with episode Past DSH Impulsive
What are the screening questions for assessment of deliberate self harm
PATHOS
- Have you had Problems for longer than 1 month?
- Were you Alone in the house when you overdosed?
- ‘Did you plan the overdose for more than Three hours?
- Are you feeling Hopeless about the future – that things will not get much better?
- Were you feeling Sad for most of the time before the overdose
List red flags for active suicide risk
Marked hopelessness - "I am a burden" Continued intent Well formed plans Giving away possessions Social isolation or no support Chronic pain or physical illness A sense of feeling trapped in a situation with no other escape
List predisposing factors for suicide
Adverse childhood experiences - abuse Social deprivation Family history of suicide Previous suicide attempts History of mental disorders Alcohol and drug misuse Social alienation/bullying Impulsive or aggressive tendencies Loss Physical illness Easy access to lethal means
List precipitating factors for suicide
Bullying Recent discharge from psych hospital Changes in physical health Relationship difficulties Unemployment/ poor school attainment Loss Depressed mood/ worsening of mental health Exposure to suicide Exposure to stressful life events
List perpetuating/maintaining factors for suicide
Lack of support or poor social network School pressure Stigma Degree of planning Access to means Psychological factors such as hopelessness Drugs/alcohol or other unhelpful coping Intensity of the thought
List some protective factors for suicide
Effective clinical care - physical and mental and substance misuse
Ongoing care and supportive relationships
Supportive network of family and friends
Good self-esteem and resilience
Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Engaging in enjoyable activity
