Suicide Flashcards
What is the connection between suicide and mental health disorders?
95% of all people who commit or attempt suicide have a diagnosed mental health disorder
- 80% = depression
- 10% = schizophrenia
- 5% = dementia/delirium
25% of all people eight mental health disorders that attempt suicide are also alcohol addicts
Occupation and suicide risk
Being higher or lower on the social status for occupation increases suicidal risk (bimodal distribution)
Physicians, dentists, law enforcement, lawyers and mechanics have the highest rates
Suicide rates increase during economic recessions, depressions
Suicide rates decrease during times high employment and during wars
Key non-modifiable risk factors for suicide
1 past suicide attempt (#1)
Male
Advanced age
Caucasian or native Americans
Divorced or separated recently
Unemployed
Alcohol dependence
Sexual/physical abuse
Chronic neurologic illness
Family history of suicide
Key modifiable risk factors for suicide
MDD
Alcohol abuse
Hopelessness
Suicidal ideation
Having or thinking of a plan
Access to lethal means
Protective factors from suicide
Things that help lower risk of suicide
Strong religious or cultural beliefs
- either will fear god or shame placed on family
Strong social network
Responsible for children
Hope for the future
Good therapeutic alliance
Positive affect
