Suicide, DSH and Risk

Question 1

Define suicide

Answer 1

A fatal act of self-injury which was undertaken with self-destructive intent

Question 2

Define para-suicide

Answer 2

An act of self-injury undertaken with self-destructive intent, but which the victim survives

Question 3

Define deliberate self-harm

Answer 3

An act of self-injury where the intent was to cause harm but not death

Question 4

Give 5 risk factors for suicide

Answer 4

Male
Living alone
Unemployed
Mental illness
Drug and alcohol misuse

Question 5

Which mental health condition is associated with the highest lifetime risk of suicide?
What about death in general?

Answer 5

Suicide = depression (15%)
Death = anorexia nervosa

Question 6

List 4 motives for DSH

Answer 6

Cry for help
Coping mechanism
Way of communicating
Result of impulsivity

Question 7

What 6 things should be covered in a history to assess risk in someone who has just attempted suicide?

Answer 7

1. Triggers for attempt
2. Preparation - planned or impulsive? Final acts?
3. Circumstances - had you been drinking? Were you alone?
4. After the act - did you seek help? Who found you?
5. Current suicidal ideation, plans and intent
6. Protective factors - what’s stopping you?

Question 8

Distinguish between suicidal ideation, plans and intent

Answer 8

Ideation - life not worth living, want to die
Plans - plans for ending life
Intent - commitment to plans/true desire to die