1. Mood Disorders and Suicide PSYC 2340: Abnormal Psychology

2. What We’ll Cover The nature of suicide Prevalence rates Risk factors for suicide Assessment of suicidal risk Treatment considerations

3. The Nature of Suicide Relatively common cause of death in U.S. and around rest of world Varying levels of suicidal behavior Ideation Planning Gestures Attempts Completion

4. Suicide Prevalence Rates Around 3% of people attempt suicide, much higher rates of ideation Rates may actually be higher Higher rates among whites across the lifespan Rates increase throughout lifespan, noticeably spike during: Adolescence Older adulthood Gender differences Females more likely to think about, plan, and attempt Males more likely to complete

5. Risk Factors for Suicide Hopelessness Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicidal Behavior Desire Sense of disconnection/lack of belonging Sense of being a burden on others Ability Desensitization to violence and pain Acquired competence in one or more suicidal methods

7. Risk Factors for Suicide Hopelessness Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicidal Behavior Desire Sense of disconnection/lack of belonging Sense of being a burden on others Ability Desensitization to violence and pain Acquired competence in one or more suicidal methods Other risk factors Family history Mental disorders (particularly mood disorders) Impulsivity Alcohol/substance use Stressful life events

8. Assessing Suicidal Risk To ask, or not to ask? What to assess? Suicidal desire Feelings of social alienation/disconnectedness and being a burden on others Hopelessness about positive change in the future Suicidal intent Detailed plan vs. vague ideation Preparatory behavior Suicidal capability Available means Lethality of means

9. Treatment Considerations How high is the risk? How accessible are the means? Has the person recently been exposed to a suicide (e.g., school)? What treatment techniques are used?