Chapter 10: Suicide

Question 1

How do we differentiate suicidal thoughts?

Answer 1

Wanting to be dead vs. intent and plan

Question 2

What is meant by the term “lethality of method”?

Answer 2

Likelihood of succeeding

Question 3

What percentage of suicides in the U.S. are due to firearms?

Answer 3

55%

Question 4

What percentage of suicides in the U.S. are due to asphyxiation (including hanging)?

Answer 4

20%

Question 5

What percentage of suicides in the U.S. are due to poisoning and overdose?

Answer 5

20%

Question 6

How more prone are men to commit suicide than women? Why?

Answer 6

• Men 4x more likely to die from suicide (succeed)

- Males choose more violent and lethal methods

Question 7

How many more suicide attempts do women make than men?

Answer 7

3x more

Question 8

Why do people attempt suicide?

Answer 8

• Cry for help
• For drama, attention
• To manipulate relationships

Question 9

How is a fam history of suicide a risk factor?

Answer 9

• Especially suicide of parent during childhood
• Possibility of genetic predisposition
• Role model for suicide –> a way out
• Mythical reunion w/ dead parent

Question 10

What psychiatric illnesses are risk factors for suicide?

Answer 10

• Depression
• Bipolar
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• PTSD

Question 11

How is alcohol or drug abuse a risk factor for suicide?

Answer 11

• Decreases inhibitions
• Delusions and hallucinations
• Unable to break addiction and associated losses

Question 12

How is recently starting antidepressants a risk factor for suicide?

Answer 12

Energy returns first w/o feeling better emotionally

Question 13

How is impaired problem solving a risk factor for suicide?

Answer 13

• Loss of rational thinking

- Tunnel vision (death is only solution)

Question 14

How is dichotomous thinking a risk factor for suicide?

Answer 14

Either-or, black-and-white thinking

Question 15

Explain copycat suicide in teens.

Answer 15

• Subject to peer influence
• Strong capacity for identification
• Idealization

Question 16

What kinds of acute stressors are risk factors for suicide?

Answer 16

• Recent loses (loved one, job)
• Rejection, shame, anger, revenge
• Having to go to jail
• Being diagnosed w/ terminal illness
• Disfigurement

Question 17

What kinds of chronic stressors are risk factors for suicide?

Answer 17

• Pain
• Abusive social environment
• Stressful job
• Poverty