Suicide

Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in

USA

Suicide is particularly prevalent in

young adults

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among

teenagers

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in

college students

12% of college students consider

suicide in a given year

Males complete more

suicides than females

Females attempt

suicide more often than males

Disparity is due to males using

more lethal methods

Suicide more common among women in

China

Risk factors: suicide in

the family

Risk factors: low

serotonin levels

Risk factors: preexisting

psychological disorder

Risk factors: alcohol

use and abuse

Risk factors: stressful

life event, especially humiliation

Risk factors: past

suicidal behavior

Risk factors: plan and access to

lethal methods

Some research indicates that a person is more likely to commit suicide after

hearing about someone else committing suicide

Media accounts may worsen the problem by

* Sensationalizing/romanticizing suicide
* Describing lethal methods of committing suicide

Suicide prevention: Clinician does

risk assessment

Suicide prevention: Clinician and patient develop

safety plan

Suicide prevention: In some cases,

sign no-suicide contract

Suicide prevention: Preventative programs for

at-risk groups

Suicide prevention: CBT can

reduce suicide risk

Suicide prevention: Removing access to

lethal methods

If you think someone is at risk,

talk to them and ensure they’re getting needed support

Talking to someone about suicide is not likely to

place them at greater risk or “plant the idea”

In contrast, the risk of not providing support to someone in need

is huge