Suicide Management

Question 1

Risk factors for Suicide

Mental Health (6)

Answer 1

1. Depression
2. Other mental illnesses
3. Substance abuse
4. Hopelessness
5. Impulsivity
6. Prior suicide attempt (major RF)

Question 2

Risk factors for Suicide

Contextual (6)

Answer 2

1. Exposure to suicidal behavior (family history)
2. Access to lethal means (firearms)
3. Lack of social support
4. Losses (financial, relationships)
5. Medical illness
6. Being victimized (bullied)

Question 3

Risk Factors

Demographic- age/gender

Answer 3

1. Age- >75 increased completion rate
2. Gender: Males are more likely to complete
3. Females are more likely to attempt

Question 4

Suicide Management

Answer 4

1. Ask about suicidal ideation
2. Evaluate severeity of suicidal intent
3. Evaluate behavior controls (reasons for living)
4. Consider mental health, contextual, demographic RF

Question 5

Low Risk for suicide

Answer 5

Non-specific thoughts of suicide with few risk factors

Question 6

Low Risk suicide Tx plan

Answer 6

1. Out patient psychotherapy
2. +/- antidepressant meds

Question 7

High Risk for suicide

Answer 7

Specific plan w/ ++ risk factors

Question 8

High Risk suicide Tx plan

Answer 8

1. Hospitilization
2. Meds and psychotherapy

Question 9

Moderate risk for suicide

Answer 9

Risk is present-but not in need of crisis intervention

Question 10

Treatment of Moderate Risk

Answer 10

1. Out-patient psychotherapy
2. +/- meds
3. Safety plan