Suicide and the Law

Question 1

the act of killing oneself

Answer 1

suicide

Question 2

thinking about or planning one’s own death (range or continuum)

Answer 2

suicide ideation

Question 3

action that causes harm to the body

Answer 3

self-harm

Question 4

self-injurious behaviour, may mimic self-harm or suicidal behaviour but intent not to cause death

Answer 4

parasuicide

Question 5

potentially self-injurious actions with a non-fatal outcome with intent to die

Answer 5

suicidal behaviour

Question 6

the seriousness of intent and likelihood of method to result in death

Answer 6

lethality

Question 7

interplay between lethality and the likelihood that the suicide can be interrupted (communication of intent to others)

Answer 7

risk/rescue ratio

Question 8

risk factors of suicide

Answer 8

psychiatric disorders, previous attempts, alcohol/substance use disorder, loss, male, increasing age, Indigenous, social disconnection, sexual orientation struggles

Question 9

components of a suicide risk assessment

Answer 9

• based on identifying and appraising warning signs
• risk and protective factors
• medical and mental health history
• acute condition
• access to lethal means
• available support networks

Question 10

define protective factors

Answer 10

A characteristic or attribute that reduces the likelihood of a non-fatal or fatal suicide attempt (skills, strength, or resources) can be personal or external-environmental

Question 11

examples of protective factors

Answer 11

positive attitudes, values, or beliefs, conflict resolution skills, good health all around, positive self-esteem, success at school/work, strong social supports, children, etc

Question 12

involuntary hospitalization (form 1)

Answer 12

up to 72 hours, for assessment, reassessment prior to end of 72 hours can be discharged, not found to require involuntary admission, or found to be in need of continued involuntary admission

Question 13

form 2

Answer 13

needs a tribunal, if it is found they need continued hospitalization the application is upheld, up to 30 hold can be extended or cancelled.

Question 14

how does an involuntary admission come about?

Answer 14

client self presents to ER, arrives with police, or seen by a physician in the community. assessed by ERPN, Er physician or psychiatrist on call, can be detained for involuntary exam if they are mentally disordered, a danger to them self or others, or unable to provide for their own basic needs