1. ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS SUICIDE AND SUICIDAL IDEATION
Abnormal Psychology
Stephen Bosco and Tommy Manna

2. DISCLAIMER

3. PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US
Each year 44,193 Americans die by suicide
On average there are 121 deaths by suicide per day
Firearms account for almost 50% of all suicides
Men die by suicide 3.5x more often than women
White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2015
Highest suicide rate is among adults between the ages of 45 and 64
Rates among adolescents and young adults (15 to 24 years) have been steadily increasing

4. PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE IN THE U.S.

5. PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE – Tables
In 2015, the highest U.S. suicide rate (15.1) was among Whites and the second highest rate (12.6) was among American Indians and Alaska Natives (Figure 5). Much lower and roughly similar rates were found among Hispanics (5.8), Asians and Pacific Islanders (6.4), and Blacks (5.6).
Table retrieved from
From 1999 through 2014, the percent increase in the age-adjusted suicide rate was greater for females (45% increase) than males (16% increase), resulting in a narrowing of the gender gap in suicide rates (as measured by rate ratios). The ratio of male to female suicide rates was lower in 2014 (3.6) than in 1999 (4.5).
Table retrieved from

6. PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE - Tables
Women are at a greater risk for suicidal ideation, attempts, and medically treated attempts than men. However, men die by suicide at a higher rate than women.

7. CRITICAL THINKING
The rates of death by suicide and suicidal ideation disproportionately affect certain groups of people, my question to you is why?
Take two minutes and write down potential reasons as to why certain groups of people have higher rates of suicide and suicidal ideation compared to others.

8. SUICIDE RISK FACTORS Health Factors Environmental Factors
Mental health conditions
Substance abuse disorders
Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events
Prolonged stress factors
Access to lethal means
Exposure to suicide
Historical Factors
Previous suicide attempts
Family history

9. SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS TALK BEHAVIOR MOOD
If a person talks about: being a burden, feeling trapped, having no reason to live, or killing themselves
BEHAVIOR
Increase alcohol and drug usage
Withdrawing from others
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
MOOD
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression
Loss of interest
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation
Anxiety

10. SUICIDE TREATMENT Treatment for MDD Psychotherapies
Effectively assessing risk; combination of psychotherapy and medications
Psychotherapies
The most common types of psychotherapy for depression are cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), behavioral activation (BH), and cognitive behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP). 
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Those with bipolar disorder are at greatest risk for suicide when they are in a depression or have a mixed mood state.
Treatment for Substance and Drug Abuse
Decrease consumption and increase social support

11. SUICIDE MYTHS MYTH: All suicidal people are depressed
FACT: While depression is a contributory factor in most suicides, it need not be present for suicide to be attempted or completed
MYTH: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning
FACT: The majority of suicides have been preceded by warning signs, whether verbal or behavioral
MYTH: People who talk about suicide are only trying to get attention. They won’t really do it
FACT: Those who are considering suicide give clues and warnings as a cry for help. In fact, most seek out someone to rescue them. Over 70% who do threaten to carry out a suicide either make an attempt or complete the act.
MYTH: After a person has attempted suicide, it is unlikely he/she will try again.
FACT: People who have attempted suicide are very likely to try again. 80% of the people who die from suicide have made at least one previous attempt.

12. THINK/PAIR/SHARE
Take a minute and think about the previously mentioned myths regarding suicide and how they can stigmatize individuals who have attempted suicide or are thinking about committing suicide
Turn to the person next to you and discuss what you thought about
Then we will discuss this as a group

13. APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

14. ASSESSMENT AND SUPERVISION ACTIVITY
We are going to watch a clip from a TV show and while watching you are going to either assess the patient or the counselor.
One group assessing the patient: You are the counselor assessing the suicidal risk and severity of the patient
One group assessing the counselor: You are the supervisor assessing the counselor

15. THINK/PAIR/SHARE In your groups,
Discuss what warning signs and risk factors you noticed in the patient
Discuss the pros and cons about the counselor’s assessment of suicidal risk
Discuss the questions that you liked from the counselor and the questions you did not like.
What questions do you wish the counselor asked?
What would you have done if you were the counselor in this session?

16. ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT
What did you hear or see from the patient that made you believe she may be suicidal or have suicidal intent?
Direct Verbal Expression
Reality: A direct statement of intention to commit suicide serves as one of the most useful single predictors. Take any such statement seriously.
Feelings of hopelessness/Signs of Depression
Reality: While depression is a contributory factor in most suicides, it need not be present for suicide to be attempted or completed
Social Needs/Social Losses
Reality: Most people who die by suicide have communicated some intent. Someone who talks about suicide gives the person they are speaking with an opportunity to intervene before suicidal behaviors occur.

17. ASSESSMENT OF THE COUNSELOR
What did you hear or observe the counselor say or do that would be considered “good practice” or “bad practice”?
Reach out when additional help is needed
Reality: All people who interact with suicidal adolescents can help them by way of emotional support and encouragement. Psychotherapeutic interventions also rely heavily on family, and friends providing a network of support.
“Telling someone to cheer up” or “Move on” usually helps
Reality: Trying to cheer someone up might make them feel even more misunderstood and ashamed of their thoughts and feelings. It’s important to listen well and take them seriously. Express concern and care
A sudden improvement in the mental state of an attempter following a suicidal crisis or depressive period signifies that the suicide risk is over
Reality: The opposite may be true. In the three months following an attempt, a young person is at most risk of completing suicide. The apparent lifting of the problems could mean the person has made a firm decision to commit suicide and feels better because of this decision.

18. National Suicide Hotline:
National & Local help if you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting herself or himself
National Suicide Hotline:
Hunter College: