Recognition of Suicide Risk According to the Characteristics of the Suicide Process

Abstract

The suicide of a patient is a painful experience for many physicians and mental health professionals, and may contribute to the earlier and more frequent development of professional burnout. To reduce this risk in the primary care settings in which many suicidal patients are seen prior to their attempt, the authors presented concepts regarding the course of suicidal ideation and typical ways in which suicidal individuals communicate their experiences. These issues are explored through theoretical viewpoints, available records, research on suicide notes, and a review of the literature. The research findings presented can contribute to suicide prevention particularly when the risk of death is severe.

Examining Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Adolescents with Mental Health Needs, in Ontario, Canada

“…Differences in how NSSI was measured, the population involved and the sampling procedure are some factors that may account for the variation in prevalence rates (Silverman, Beman, Sanddal et al, 2007). In trying to understand suicide as a phenomenon, it is important to recognize that suicide is a process that starts days, months, or sometimes years before the act itself is executed (Joiner, 2005;Oravecz & Moore, 2006). Acquired capability for suicide and habituation to pain, according to Joiner's (2005) theory, place individuals who engage in NSSI at risk for future death from suicide.…”

Making it Safer: A Health Centre’s Strategy for Suicide Prevention

“…Oravecz and Moore suggest that ''training activities are necessary to improve the ability of professionals to cope with the suiciderelated thinking of their patients and resolve their own discomfort in talking about suicide with a patient'' [40].…”

Suicide risk in schizophrenia: Explanatory models and clinical implications, The Schematic Appraisal Model of Suicide (SAMS)

“…This fits with the differential activation account of schema elaboration in that over time representations increasingly become associated with suicide, and a wide range of cues, including a diverse range of emotional states, trigger suicide‐related schema (Lau et al , 2004; Teasdale, 1988). It is also congruent with suicide viewed as a goal‐oriented act which posits that following goal‐directed steps towards suicide helps create new associations at each step integrating suicidal thoughts and plans with other problem solving related conceptions (Oravecz & Moore, 2006) and inhibiting less drastic alternatives.…”