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UNIT 2 ■ Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Interventions
FIGURE 11–1 Risk factors and warning signs for suicide. Reprinted with permission from the Ontario Hospital Association.
■■ Family history: A family history of suicide increases an individual’s risk for suicide. ■■ Military history: Military personnel—active duty, veterans, and reserves—are at high risk for sui- cide. Firearms account for over 60% of all suicides among military members (Center for Deployment Psychology, n.d.). Medical-Psychiatric Diagnosis Assessment data to screen for suicide risk must be gathered for all clients regardless of the psychiat- ric or physical condition for which they are being treated. Mood disorders (major depression and bipolar disorders) are the most common disorders that precede suicide. Individuals with substance use disorders are also at high risk. Other psychiatric dis- orders in which suicide risks have been identified
include anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, anorexia nervosa, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and border- line and antisocial personality disorders. Chronic and terminal physical illnesses have also been identi- fied as potentiating risk factors. Suicidal Ideas or Acts An important part of the assessment of a patient’s suicide risk is to determine the patient’s intentions. How serious is the patient’s intent to die by suicide? Does the person have a plan? If so, do they have the means? How lethal are the means? Do they intend to carry out this plan? Has the individual ever attempted suicide before? These questions must be asked by the person conducting the assessment of the patient who is expressing suicide ideation.
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