Suicide Risk In FInals

Suicide risk in depression

October 22, 2013

Low mood or anhedonia (loss of desire for pleasure) for most of the day for last 2 weeks with 4 or more of the following:

SUICIDE

• Suicidal plan or thoughts of self-harm
• Unexplained guilt/worthlessness
• Inability to function e.g. psychomotor retardation
• Concentration impaired
• Impaired appetite
• Decreased sleep/early waking
• Energy low

Source: Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties

Factors in determining risk

October 21, 2013

Patients at risk of relapse, pay attention to following to SAVE them and others:

SAVE

• Stress
• Alcohol and other substance abuse
• Violence in past
• Empathy-lacking

Then go on to do a formal risk assessment.