psychopathology: suicide

suicide

one of the leading causes of death, Approximately 1 million people die by suicide each year, including more than 46,000 in the United States. It is not a mental disorder

predictors of suicide

• depression

• substance/gambling addiction

• suicidal ideation

• prior suicide attempts

• loneliness

• hopelessness

• impulsivity

• older white males

• work problems

• family problems

• stress

• psychosis

• physical illness

• sleep problems

treatment after suicide attempts

• Keep the patient alive.

• Reduce psychological pain.

• Achieve nonsuicidal state of mind and a sense of hope.

• Develop of better ways of stress management.

suicide assessments

therapists MUST ask about sucidality

• Ideation: Passive/Active

• Plan: How specific

• Intent: 24 hours?

Suicide prevention goals for initial contact

• Establishing a positive relationship

• Understanding and clarifying the problem

• Assessing suicide potential

• Assessing and mobilizing the caller's resources

• Formulating a plan

long-term prevention

• Referral

• Therapy

  • Support

  • Hope

• Reduction of access to common suicide means

  • Gun control

  • Car emissions