CH. 8 suicide

Module 3

statistics of suicide

one of the leading causes of death in the world (1 million people per year, more than 46,000 in the US) for every 1% increase in unemployment rate there is a 1% increase in national suicide rate (not a mental disorder in the DMS)

common predictors of suicide

depression, substance/gambling addiction, suicidal ideation/talk, loneliness, hopelessness, stress, psychosis, martial/family problems, older white males

treatments after suicide attempts

keep the patient alive, reduce psychological pain, achieve nonsuicidal state of mind, install hope, develop better ways to manage stress

suicidal assessments

therapists MUST ask about suicidality.

ideation (passive and active), plan, and intent

suicide prevention goals for initial contact

1. establishing a positive relationship

2. understanding and clarifying the problem

3. assessing and mobilizing the callers resources

4. formulating a plan

long- term prevention strategies for suicide

referral, therapy (support and hope), reduction of access to common suicide means (gun control and car emissions)