Suicide Assessment | |
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Suicide Assessment This article lays out helpful information on suicidal patients and interviewing them. First, remember to do three things: Risk Factors
Questions to Ask Do you have thoughts of suicide? Are they related to current stressors going on in your life, or have you had such thoughts before? Do you have a plan? Tell me. Ask if they have access to the components of their plan, like a gun, pills, etc Signs of depression sleep, energy, weight, or appetite changes decreased interest in sex and other pleasurable activities feelings of helplessness and hopelessness social isolation and withdrawal from others Level of Risk none - no suicidal ideation mild - some ideation, no plan mod - ideation, vague plan, low on lethality, wouldn't do it severe - ideation, plan specific and lethal, wouldn't do it extreme - ideation, plan specific and lethal, will do it Highest risk group has suicidal ideation (thoughts of killing self), a plan (any plan so long as it is definite and detailed is high risk), high lethality (guns and walking in front of busses are more serious than overdosing on Tylenol and slashing wrists), few inhibitors (few reasons not to kill self), low self-control (especially drinking or using drugs - can decide not to kill self but fail to act to reverse events and accidentally kill themselves) 4) Empathize with the client They are experiencing crises and stress, hopelessness, and helplessness. Offer that there is a part of them that wants to live, since they were cooperative with you. Offer too that services and referrals, as well as social support could be helpful to use now too. Make a No-Suicide Contract This is best when the client has support, is low risk, and can give clear reasons why they would not kill themselves; the client agrees they won't hurt themselves, and if they feel they can't stop themselves, they will call 911, an ER, a crises line, a therapist, or another designated special person, and will return for help on next appointment. Make the patient sign it and get a witness. Family Intervention This is best is there is high support and low impulsiveness in the client. The clients agree with you to contact their family. They stay with the family member until the suicidal thoughts have been addressed in treatment, and the family is briefed on who to contact for help in an emergency. The family also takes an active role to remove drugs, guns, or other means of suicide from the home, and promises 24 hour supervision.Hospitalization This is best if there is little family support, or mental illness, substance use or impulsiveness. Try voluntary admission, but use involuntary if needed. |