1. Suicide Risk Assessment
Spring 2014

2. CBT MODEL of SUICIDE View of self, others, future
Decreased problem solving
Suicide
Dichotomous thinking
Hopelessness
Cognitive rigidity
PAIN
Inescapable
Intolerable
Interminabne
Attentional bias
Attentional fixation
Overgeneralized memory

3. Dynamic Risk Factors/ Warning Signs
Suicidal ideation -- Passive (without a plan) vs active (with a plan)
Suicidal communication
Suicidal intent (wish to die)
Active suicidal behaviors
Availability of, access to, the means
Hopelessness
Active psych symptoms
Treatment adherence
Substance misuse
Psychiatric admission and discharge
Psychosocial stress
Problem-solving deficits

4. Static and Stable Risk Factors
History of self-harm
Seriousness of previous suicidality (help-seeking behavior, lethality, past preparatory behaviors…)
Previous hospitalizations
History of mental disorder
History of substance use disorder
Physical disorder
Exposure to models
Availability of means
Personality disorder/traits – Impulsivity-aggression; antisocial personality; borderline pd
Childhood adversity – sexual abuse history
Family history of suicide
Age, gender, marital status

5. Future Risk Factors Access to preferred method of suicide
Future service contact
Future response to drug treatment
Future response to psychosocial treatments
Future stress

6. Protective Factors
Social support network – two or more confidants, living with family/relatives/husband or wife
Connectedness
Problem solving skills
Self efficacy
Reasons for living
Children at home
Pregnancy
Life satisfaction
Fear of social disapproval or religious norms
Fear of death, suicide, self-harm