Suicide Ideation Flashcards
Who is more likely to attempt suicide?
Who is more likely to die from suicide?
Females are 3-4 X likely to attempt
Males are more likely to succeed
Apart from gender, are there any other populations at a grader risk of suicude?
First Nations, Inuit and Metis
Adolescents
What are some general considerations for assessing a suicidal adolescent?
Suicidal behaviour
Mental health history
Context of suicide
Underlying precipitating, promoting and protective factors in the environment
What antidepressant could increase SI?
SSRI
What is the strongest risk factor for suicide?
Previous suicide attempt.
This risk persists lifelong
Is self harm linked to suicide?
Not necessarily. Some self harm is fm related to emotional coping while others relates to suicidality
What are some risk factors for suicide?
Prev suicide attempt Mental health (especially depression) - present in 90% if kids who died from suicide Impulsivity Reminders of abuse Exposure to suicide (ex in the media) Family conflict Poor child-parent communication Parental mental health
What are important features about the suicidal ideation?
Frequency Intensity - preoccupation Quality - passive versus active Intent Plan and access
How do they cope with suicidal ideation.
Do they have hope - very important.
Are they ambivalent about life
What is important about the suicidal attempt?
Method Impulsive versus planned Lethality Anticipated outcome Steps taken to decrease the likelihood of being discovered Feelings of regret
If the kid doesn’t need inpatient management, what next?
Ensure they understand the need to communicate suicidal thoughts to trusted adult
Mental health follow up
Availability of local crisis services
Use of ED if needed
What is a suicidal screening tool?
Validated:
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
