Self-Harm

Question 1

What are the neurochemical differences in the prefrontal cortex between direct-self-harm (DSH) patients and non-DSH patients?

Answer 1

Reduced 5-HT binding
Lower CSF 5-HIAA
Basically, decreased frontal activity

Question 2

What percentage of suicides have a history of DSH?

Answer 2

40%

Question 3

List risk factors for repeated DSH

Answer 3

Previous DSH
Unemployment
Personality disorder
Alcohol/drug abuse
Low socio-economic group
Criminal record
Single/separated/divorce

Question 4

Which sex tends to more commonly suicide after DSH?

Answer 4

Males

Question 5

Method of suicide can tell you a lot about someone’s full intent. What does someone jumping from height vs. drug overdose tell you about each person?

Answer 5

Jumper makes survival virtually impossible

Drug overdose has chance of recovery

Question 6

All patients suspected of future suicide need immediate psychiatric assessment. True/False?

Answer 6

True