suicide risk assessment Flashcards
1
Q
What needs to be explored in a suicide risk assessment
A
Suicidal ideation Suicidal intent Risk factors MSE Protective factors Risk to others (i.e. kids) and risk from others Formulate a mx plan
2
Q
Exploring suicidal ideation
A
- ‘How do you feel about your future?’ (hopelessness)
- ‘Do you feel life is worth living?’
- ‘Have you ever thought about taking your own life?’
3
Q
Exploring suicidal intent
A
- What precipitated the intent? (What happened before?)
- Method?
- Suicide not left?
- Any preparations before (writing a will)?
- Was the patient intoxicated w/ drugs or alcohol?
- Was the pt alone?
- Any precautions to avoid discovery (locked doors, waiting til house was empty…)
- Did the pt think they were certain to die even w/ medical intervention?
- What was the degree of premeditation? How long had they been contemplating suicide before? What plans had they made before acting?
- Did the pt seek help after the attempt or were they found and brought in by someone else?
- How does the pt feel about it now? Do they regret or want to do it again/wish they succeeded?
- How do they feel about being found?
4
Q
Exploring RFs
A
- ‘Is there anything in particular that makes you feel this way?’ ‘can you tell me about it?’ (stress)
- ‘Have you ever tried anything like this before? Can you tell me about it?’ (previous attempts)
- ‘Are you aware if you are suffering from any mental health issues?’ (psychiatric illness)
- ‘Do you have any health problems that are bothering you atm?’ (medical illness)
- ‘Any FHx of suicide, attempted suicide or self-harm?’ (FHx)
5
Q
Explore protective factors
A
- ‘Is there anything that would stop you carrying out the act?’
- ‘What are the positive things in your life?’
- ‘Do you have any family/friends to confide in?’
- ‘Who do you live with?’
6
Q
Explore risk to others incl children and risk from others
A
- ‘Do you ever have thoughts of harming others?’
- Children/relatives in danger: ‘Do you have close contact with any children?’
- ‘Do you ever feel threatened or at risk from others?’
7
Q
Formulate mx plan
A
• Determine whether patient is LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH risk
