SUICIDE Dr. Kayj Nash Okine

Important Statistics Gender differences: females are 3x more likely to attempt suicide; males are 4-5x more likely to commit suicide Age factors: dramatic increase in suicide rates among adolescents and the elderly; highest rates for older-age men & middle-age women Ethnic/racial factors: white; native American

General Warning Signs for Suicide Verbal suicide threats; talk of wanting to die Previous suicide attempt Risk-taking or reckless behavior Final arrangements – making peace, giving away possessions Neglect of academics, work, or personal appearance Separation from loved ones or significant others Themes of death, depression, or suicide in writing or art Unusual purchases – gun, rope, medications, poisons Increased sadness, discouragement, or loneliness Sudden happiness following prolonged depression Hyperactivity, substance abuse, aggression

Warning Signs for Suicide in Adolescents Social withdrawal Increased irritability, moodiness Writing goodbye letters to friends Giving away possessions Decline in school performance Loss of appetite Fatigue Loss of sleep, changes in sleep patterns

Risk Factors For Suicide Stressful life events: loss of, or abandonment by, significant others; abuse; social alienation – lack of social support; financial hardship Social contagion or clustering Serious physical illness Mental illness – mood disorders, alcohol & other substance abuse, borderline personality disorder Genetic factors – 6-fold increase if family member attempted suicide Biochemistry – low levels of serotonin Personality factors – impulsivity, instability, emotional reactivity, risk-taking Access to lethal means

Suicide Prevention Raise the subject directly Express care and concern Be willing to talk to the person and listen Don’t try to fix the problem or be their therapist Strongly encourage the person to seek professional help Contact a family member or significant other to share your concerns Maintain contact with the person Don’t leave the person alone if in immediate crisis or danger

Treatment and Prevention Community-Based Prevention: crisis intervention programs; suicide hotlines; school programs; awareness-raising programs Drug Treatments: lithium; SSRI’s Psychological Treatments: suicide assessment; cognitive behavioral therapy; dialectical behavior therapy; no-suicide contract