Health 4250 Depression & Suicide

Symptoms Emotional manifestations Cognitive manifestations Motivational symptoms Physical symptoms Girls and boys

Seriousness Depressed mood Depressive syndromes Depressive disorder

Suicide Ninth leading cause overall Third leading cause for x as many suicides as homicides 2/3 are under 35 Every 20 minutes More girls attempt, more boys die

Suicide White males = 61% of total White males & females = 84% Native Americans = 19.3/100,000 vs. 8.5/100,000 for white males Increasing most rapidly among African American males ages 10-19

Sex Differences Females attempt because –Puberty –Hormones –Diathesis-stress model –Emotions –Discrimination Males – it’s weak

Conflicting reports Text = Proximal/immediate Steinberg = Distal – long-term

Risk factors Previous attempts Mental disorders Conductive and substance abuse Mood disorders Negative life events

Risk factors Availability of firearms Stage of life Genetics/Family history Contagion factors

Utah facts 158 deaths, ages 13-21, % were white, 88% were males 65% involved with juvenile justice 90% had pre-existing psychiatric disorders 80-95% were not in treatment at the time Utah ranked 13 th highest in the nation in 1995.

Drugs/Alcohol No cause/effect relationship Some had history of alcoholism Prevention works

Assessment of Risk Are they depressed Using alcohol or drugs Suicidal thoughts Plan Prior attempts Access to lethal methods

Assessment of Risk Isolated from family and friends Hopelessness Modeling – family or peers Economic, academic or work problems Relational problems Current stressors

Assessment of Risk Anger, aggression, or irritability Physical illness Giving away personal items Suddenly happy The more factors = greater risk

Intervention Be direct Pay attention Accept without judgment Be calm Assure Seek help

Prevention/Treatment Protective factors –Family patterns –Cognitive style –Cultural/sociodemographic factors School and suicide

Consider this… Mental health of school teachers Strengthening self-esteem Promote emotional expression Prevent bullying and violence Provide information Refer to professionals

Panic Disorder Chronic People worry about when and where the next one will occur Characteristics 1-2% of Americans, more women than men

Treatment Medication Psychological counseling