chapter 7 suicide

What is suicidal ideation?

Thoughts about suicide.

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What are suicidal plans?

Formulating a specific method for suicide.

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What is a suicide attempt?

Non-fatal self-injury with intent to die.

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What is death by suicide?

Death caused by self-inflicted injury with intent to die.

What is suicidal ideation?

Thoughts about suicide.

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What are suicidal plans?

Formulating a specific method for suicide.

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What is a suicide attempt?

Non-fatal self-injury with intent to die.

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What is death by suicide?

Death caused by self-inflicted injury with intent to die.

What is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)?

Deliberate self-harm without intent to die (e.g., cutting, burning).

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What is subintentional death?

Indirect or unconscious behaviors that may lead to death.

What is a death seeker?

Someone who clearly intends to die.

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What is a death initiator?

Someone who believes death is already underway.

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What is a death ignorer?

Someone who does not believe death will end their existence.

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What is a death darer?

Someone ambivalent about dying, showing it through risky actions.

What are common suicide triggers?

Stress, mood changes, substance use, mental disorders, modeling.

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What long-term stressors increase suicide risk?

Isolation, illness, abuse, and job stress.

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What emotional states are linked to suicide?

Hopelessness, shame, anxiety, frustration, and “psychache.”

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What is dichotomous thinking?

Black-and-white thinking (all-or-nothing).

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How is alcohol linked to suicide?

70% of attempters use alcohol before the act.

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Which mental disorders are most linked to suicide?

Depression (70%), substance use (20%), schizophrenia (10%), PTSD.

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What is modeling in suicide?

Copying suicidal behavior after exposure to others.

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Who developed the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide?

Thomas Joiner

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What three factors are required for suicide (Interpersonal Theory)?

Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and capability.

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What is perceived burdensomeness?

Belief that others would be better off without you.

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What is thwarted belongingness?

Feeling disconnected or socially isolated.

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What is capability for suicide?

Ability to overcome fear of death and tolerate pain.

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What increases capability for suicide?

Prior attempts, trauma, abuse, chronic pain.

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AGE FACTORS

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How does suicide affect adolescents?

Rates increase after age 15; many report thoughts and attempts.

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Risk factors for teen suicide?

Stress, depression, impulsivity, substance use, and modeling.

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Which age group has the highest suicide completion rate?

The elderly.

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Why are elderly at higher risk?

Illness, loss, isolation, and reduced control

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Who developed the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide?

Thomas Joiner

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What three factors are required for suicide (Interpersonal Theory)?

Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and capability.

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What is perceived burdensomeness?

Belief that others would be better off without you.

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What is thwarted belongingness?

Feeling disconnected or socially isolated.

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What is capability for suicide?

Ability to overcome fear of death and tolerate pain.

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What increases capability for suicide?

Prior attempts, trauma, abuse, chronic pain.

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AGE FACTORS

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How does suicide affect adolescents?

Rates increase after age 15; many report thoughts and attempts.

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Risk factors for teen suicide?

Stress, depression, impulsivity, substance use, and modeling.

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Which age group has the highest suicide completion rate?

The elderly.

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Why are elderly at higher risk?

Illness, loss, isolation, and reduced control

What is the first step after a suicide attempt?

Medical care and follow-up treatment.

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What therapies are used for suicidality?

CBT, psychodynamic therapy, group therapy, mindfulness, DBT.

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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Therapy focusing on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.

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What is CAMS?

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality—targets causes like hopelessness.

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What should treatment target (Interpersonal Theory)?

Reduce burdensomeness and increase belongingness.

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PREVENTION

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What is a safety plan?

A structured plan including warning signs, coping strategies, and support contacts.

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What are coping strategies in a safety plan?

Activities to distract from suicidal thoughts.

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Why is removing lethal means important?

It reduces immediate risk of suicide.

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What are “reasons for living”?

Personal motivations that protect against suicide.

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RESOURCES

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What is the U.S. suicide crisis hotline?

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline