Suicide, self harm and risk

Question 1

What is self-harm

Answer 1

self-injury without suicidal intent
aka non-suicidal self injurious behaviours

Question 2

How does the peak age of self-harm differ between men and women

Answer 2

• women: 15-24
• men: 25-34

Question 3

What is the most common form of self harm

Answer 3

cutting

Question 4

Give 2 demographic RFs for suicide

Answer 4

• male - 3x mc
• advancing age

Question 5

Give 5 clinical factors associated with an increased risk of suicide

Answer 5

• Hx of mental illness: depression, schizophrenia
• Previous suicide attempt
• history of deliberate self-harm
• alcohol or drug misuse
• Hx of abuse or trauma
• history of chronic disease
• unemployment or social isolation/living alone

Question 6

Give 3 protective factors that may help reduce the risk of suicide

Answer 6

• social support and community
• sense of responsibility to others (children/ family)
• religious beliefs

Question 7

If a patient has attempted suicide, what are some factors associated with an increased risk of completed suicide at a future date

Answer 7

• efforts to avoid discovery
• planning
• leaving a written note
• final acts such as sorting out finances
• violent method

Question 8

Give 3 ways of assessing suicide risk

Answer 8

• risk assessment tools - DRAM
• clinical assessment - Hx + MSE
• static and dynamic RFs

Question 9

State 3 questions that are important to clarify post an attempted suicide from overdose

Answer 9

• what did they take
• did they think this would be enough to die
• what did they take with it - water/ alcohol

Question 10

How is suicidality managed

Answer 10

• risk assessment
• safety-netting and follow up plan
• may be detained under MHA - risk to self/ others
• Tx underlying condition but beware of overdose risk
• psychotherapy

Question 11

What can be given within one hour of overdose of various substances to reduce absorption

Answer 11

activated charcoal