Suicide

What is a psychological autopsy

examination of existing information after a person’s death to understand and explain their suicide.

What are the common risk factors for suicide

mental health disorders, substance abuse, previous attempts, social isolation, and stressful life events.

What mental health conditions are commonly associated with suicide?

Depression, substance-use disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder

What are important demographic differences in suicide?

Males have higher suicide death rates; females have higher attempt rates.

What are protective factors against suicide?

Supportive relationships, effective coping skills, access to mental health care, and supportive environments.

What are warning signs of possible suicide risk?

Social withdrawal, sleep changes, increased substance use, expressing intent, and unexpected farewells.

What is the three-step suicide assessment process?

1. Identify risk and protective factors.

2. Determine risk level: high, moderate, or low.

3. Implement appropriate actions.

What are the three levels of suicide risk?

High, moderate, and low probability of acting on suicidal thoughts.

What is crisis intervention?

Intensive, short-term help to resolve an immediate life crisis.

What are important suicide facts?

Suicide is a major cause of death in the U.S.; mental health conditions are common among those at risk.

What age-related suicide facts should you know?

Suicide is a leading cause of death among ages 15–24. Elderly White males have particularly high rates.

How does bullying relate to suicide risk?

People who experience bullying have increased risk of considering suicide.

Lethality

Probability of suicidal risk

What are biological factors related to suicide

Low serotonin, genetic and epigenetic effects, alcohol effects, sleep difficulties, and physical illness or disability.

What are psychological factors related to suicide?

Mental illness, hopelessness, impulsivity, and substance abuse.

What are social factors related to suicide?

Social isolation, conflict with family or friends, loss of a loved one, bullying, and feeling like a burden.

What are sociocultural factors related to suicide?

Financial stress, gender-related factors, cultural alienation, and discrimination.