Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to suicide and suicidal thoughts, including definitions, risk assessments, and interventions.

Completed suicide

The act of intentionally causing one's own death.

SAD PERSONS scale

A risk assessment tool used to evaluate the risk of suicide.

Suicidal ideation

The consideration or contemplation of suicide.

CSSR scale

A scale used to assess the risk of suicide and implement prevention strategies.

Precipitating events

Events or situations that trigger suicidal thoughts or actions.

Ambivalence in suicidal thoughts

Conflicted feelings about suicide; individuals may wish to end their life but also have a desire to live.

Risk factors for suicide

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of suicide, including demographic, psychological, and historical factors.

Imminent suicide risk

A situation where there is a high likelihood that an individual will attempt or commit suicide in the immediate future.

Behavioral cues

Observable behaviors that may indicate a person is at risk for suicide, such as giving away possessions or writing farewell notes.

Verbal cues

Direct or indirect statements made by an individual that suggest suicidal thoughts or intentions.

Safety plan

A personalized, practical plan that outlines steps to be taken to maintain safety in the event of suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal attempts

An act of trying to take one's own life that does not result in death.

Open communication strategies

Techniques used to facilitate discussions about suicidal thoughts with individuals, fostering a safe environment to share feelings.

C-SSRS

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, a tool for assessing suicidal ideation and behavior.

Myth vs Fact about suicide

Common misconceptions about suicide contrasted with the truths based on empirical evidence.

Suicidal threat

An expression of a desire to end one’s life, which may or may not indicate a true intent to commit suicide.

Survivors of suicide

Individuals affected by the loss of someone through suicide, including family and friends.

Intervention for suicidal patients

Actions taken by healthcare providers to ensure safety and provide therapeutic support to individuals at risk for suicide.

Epidemiology of suicide

The study of the incidence and distribution of suicide across different population groups.

Assessment guidelines for suicidality

Recommendations on how to evaluate individuals for suicidal thoughts and risk.