Suicide and self harm Flashcards
you are asked to review a patient in A and E who attempted suicide but failed. they are otherwise physically healthy.
what are your next steps?
risk assessment
identify any psychiatric disorder
refer to psychiatric services
asses whether inpatient services is required
involve other relevant agencies i.e. school, family, local services
safety plan - who to contact if she feels like this again
what are the risk factors for suicide?
previous attempt at suicide psychiatric illness self-harm older age Fx psychiatric illness poor social network - incl bereavement - lack of social support co-morbid illness chronic pain high lethality of method use illicit drug abuse sexual or physical abuse
what features make a suicidal attempt more serious?
lethal method of choice i.e. hanging use of drugs/alcohol intended to die intended for no one to find them planning in advance no obvious precipitant ie. arguing with partner
what 3 key things do you have to explore with the patient in order to determine how severe the suicidal attempt was and if they are likely to do it again?
description of the act circumstances (did they just break up with a partner?) current plans (do they still wish to die?)
in what gender is self harm most common?
females
what is the commonest method of attempted suicide?
overdose with paracetamol
what percentage of patients who have attempted suicide will repeat within 1 year?
15-20%
