Reducing Access to Lethal Means Access presence and access to lethal means Firearms Medications Household poisons Impulse control Gender Patterns in Suicide Method Modification of the environment

Objects, substances, and actions commonly used in suicide attempts Risk of imminent harm through self-injurious behaviors or lethal means: Objects, substances, and actions commonly used in suicide attempts Other Methods

Impulsivity and Lethality of Means Risk of imminent harm through self-injurious behaviors or lethal means: Impulsivity and Lethality of Means Impulsivity is a risk factor correlated with higher rates and greater lethality of suicide attempts Mixed studies suggest that there is a relationship between intent and perceived lethality of choice in suicide method Lethality factors Inherent deadliness Ease of use Accessibility Ability to abort mid-attempt Acceptability to attempter Majority of attempters do not attempt again

Effect of Gender on Means of Suicide

Effect of Age on Means of Suicide

Fatality Rates of Suicide Means

Conceptual Model of How Restriction to Means Prevents Suicide

Environment Modification Helps with controlling access to lethal means; important to safeguard environment Consider hospitalization or outpatient treatment for those with high risks Communicate with inpatient care Hospitalization of chronically suicidal patients may not be effective

Communication Strategies Risk of imminent harm through self-injurious behaviors or lethal means: Communication Strategies Discuss storage of firearms with the patient and third parties Limit access to medication with risk of suicide Educate on securing household poisons and chemicals Evaluate attitude of third party towards restriction of means Routine check-ups on access to means

Screening and Restricting Access to Lethal Means Risk of imminent harm through self-injurious behaviors or lethal means: Screening and Restricting Access to Lethal Means Prescribed medicine that could be lethal Discuss firearms Securing potential lethal means Include in safety plan Assess patient’s compliance Change of environment