2. INTRODUCTION
Self destructive behavior include
Direct: any form of suicidal activity, such as
suicide ideation, threats, attempts and
completed suicide. The intent of this behavior is
death and the person is aware of the desired
behavior.
Indirect : any activity that is harmful to person’s
wellbeing and potentially may result in death.
The person may be unaware of this potential
and may deny it if conforted.
3. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SUICIDE
According to the WHO 2012 estimates, 8
lakh people globally die by suicide every year
which amounts to a suicide death every 40 s.
Suicide attempts are thought to be at least
25 times the suicide death rates.
7. SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR
Suicidal gestures
It is a suicide attempt directed towards the
goal of receiving attention rather than actual
destruction of the self
Suicide threat
It may be veiled but usually occurs before
overt suicidal activity takes place
8. SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR
Suicide attempt
Any self directed actions taken by the
individual that will lead to death if not
interrupted
9. COMPLETED SUICIDE
It is the death from self inflicted injury,
poisoning or suffocation where there is
evidence that the decent intended to kill
himself or herself.
10. TYPES OF SUICIDE
Egoistic suicide
Response of the
individual who feels
separate and apart
from the mainstream
from the society.
11. TYPES OF SUICIDE
Altruistic suicide
It is the opposite of egoistic
suicide
The individual is excessively
integrated into the group
The individual will sacrifice
his/her life for the group
12. TYPES OF SUICIDE
Anomic suicide
It occurs in response to
changes
that occur in an individual ‘s
life
that disrupt feelings of
relatedness
to the group
eg: Loss of job, divorce
13. RISK FACTORS
Marital status
Single persons is twice that of married
persons
Divorced ,separated, or widowed persons
have rates four to five times greater than
those of the married
Gender
Women attempt suicide more, but men
succeed more often
14. RISK FACTORS
Age
The rates rise sharply
during
Adolescence
Peak between 40 and 50
years,
Off until age 65
15. RISK FACTORS
Religion
Depressed men and women who consider
themselves affiliated with a religion are less
likely to attempt suicide than their non-
religious counterparts
Socio economic status
Individuals in the very highest and lower
social classes have higher suicide rates than
those in the middle classes
16. PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Psychiatric disorder
Major depression and bipolar disorder
Substance abuse
Schizophrenia
Personality disorder
Anxiety disorder
Eating disorders
Conduct disorders in adoslecent
17. PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Familial history
History of suicide
Family stress
Genetic factors
Biochemical factors
Reduced serotonin function
Personality traits & disorders
Four aspects-hostility, impulsivity, depression
and hopelessness
18. PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Psychosocial factors & physical illness
Factors like loss, lack of social support
negative life events and chronic physical
illness.
Lives alone, unemployed.
Suicide rate among recently discharged
general hospital patients is almost three
times higher than in general population.
19. RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE IN SPECIAL
POPULATION
Hospitalized depressed pateint’s
high level of anxiety
First week of admission
First month after discharge
Elderly pateint’s
Death of loved one’s
Patient’s with alcoholism
Lose of dear ones
Substance use
Late in course of illness
20. RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE IN SPECIAL
POPULATION
Depressed adolescent
Loss of significant relationship
Co-morbid substance use
Prior suicide attempt
Family history of major depression
Previous anti depressant treatment
History of legal problems
21. FACTORS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SELF
DESTRUCTIVE PATIENT
Assessing circumstances of an attempt
Precipitating humiliating life event
Preparatory action- suicide note, giving away priced
possession
Use of violent method or more legal drugs
22. FACTORS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SELF
DESTRUCTIVE PATIENT
suicide risk can be assess by using an
assessment scale. One such scale is called
the SAD PERSONS Scale, which identifies
risk factors for suicide as follows:
Sex (male)
Age younger than 19 or older than 50 years
of age
Depression (severe enough to be considered
clinically significant)
23. FACTORS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SELF
DESTRUCTIVE PATIENT
Previous suicide attempt or received mental-health
services of any kind
Excessive alcohol or other drug use
Rational thinking lost
Separated, divorced, or widowed (or other ending
of significant relationship)
Organized suicide plan or serious attempt
No or little social support
Sickness or chronic medical illness
25. PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST SUICIDE
Ability to cope with stress
Effective and appropriate clinical care
Support for help seeking
Restricted access to lethal methods
Cultural and religious belief that discourage
Ongoing sense of hope in adversity
26. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
High risk for self mutilation
Non- compliance
Potential for self directed violence
Altered nutrition
Ineffective individual coping
Self esteem disturbances
27. ASSESSMENT
Demographics-age, gender, marital status,
economy…
Suicidal ideas or acts
How serious is the intend? Behavioral and verbal
clues.
Does he have a plan? If so, does he have the means?
How lethal are the means?
Has the individual ever attempted suicide?
28. CONTD…
Interpersonal support system
• Does the individual have support persons on
whom he can rely during crisis situation?
Analysis of suicidal crisis
• Precipitating stressor-loss, relationship
problems, role changes, physical illness
• Relevant history- failures and rejections in
life
• Development stage issues
29. CONTD…
Psychiatric medical and family history
Previous psychiatric treatment for depression,
alcoholism or for previous suicidal attempts
Chronic debilitating terminal illness
History of depression or suicide in family
Copying strategies
• How has he handled previous crisis situations
• How does this situation differ from previous one
30. RISK FACTORS
• Previous suicide attempt
• Mental disorders
• Substance abuse disorder
• Family history of suicide
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and aggressive tendencies
• Loss of any kind
• Isolation
• Debilitating physical illness
31. LEVELS OF RISK
no suicidal ideation
some ideation, no plan
ideation, vague plan, low on lethality, wouldn't
do it
ideation, plan specific and lethal, wouldn't do
it
ideation, plan specific and lethal, will do it
None -
Mild -
Moderate
Severe -
Extreme -
32. HIGHEST RISK GROUP
Suicidal ideation
A plan
High lethality
Few inhibitors
Low self-control
33. LEVEL 1- RISK GROUP
Details
• Person states she/he is feeling suicidal
• No suicide plan developed
• Person not in immediate danger.
Mental health
• May or may not have received counseling in
the past.
• May or may not have received mental illness
diagnoses/treatment.
34. LEVEL 1- RISK GROUP
Precipitating event
• Recent crisis or string of crises.
Person’s disposition
• Primary need seems to be someone to talk
to who will listen.
• Person is open to and active in developing a
positive plan of action.
• Person has a basic support system
available.
35. LEVEL 1 - RISK GROUP
Intervention
• Explore primary issues.
• Discuss short and long term plans of
actions.
• Contract with person to fulfill positive plan of
action
• Contract with person to reach out for help
again if the suicidal feelings return.
36. LEVEL 2
Details
• Person states she/he is feeling suicidal.
• They have a plan.
• Means to carry out the plan are available but not
readily accessible.
• Means are available but not immediately lethal.
Intent is not immediate.
Mental health
• May have family history of suicide and/or mental
illness.
• May have chronic mental illness diagnosis.
37. LEVEL 2 - RISK GROUP
Precipitating event
• Likely feels that negative life events have been
ongoing for years.
• May resist idea of "here and now.“
Person’s disposition
• Person may seem uncertain about prospect of
future happiness/wellness.
• Person still willing to reach for help and develop
a positive plan of action
38. LEVEL 2 - RISK GROUP
Intervention
• Explore primary issue.
• Discuss short and long term plans of action,
including the possibility of mental health
assessment.
• Contract with person to fulfill a positive plan
of action.
• Contract with person to reach out for help
again if the suicidal feelings return.
39. LEVEL 3 - RISK GROUP
Details
• Person states she/he is feeling suicidal.
• Plan developed
• Intent is immediate or within near future.
• Means are lethal and accessible.
• Likely to have attempted before, and has probably felt
suicidal for a long period of time.
Mental health
• Presence of chronic mental illness is likely, whether
or not it's been diagnosed.
• Likely has family history of mental illness/suicide.
40. LEVEL 3 - RISK GROUP
Precipitating event
• Recent crisis likely in addition to ongoing
crisis/distress
Person’s disposition
• Person stated intent to die.
• Resistance to open communication/
alternatives.
• Disillusioned with helping system, strong
feelings of hopelessness and diminished fear in
the face of death.
• You believe the person will harm themselves
41. LEVEL 3 - RISK GROUP
Intervention
Contract with person to seek immediate
assistance from a mental health professional
-- follow up to make sure this was done.
Contract with person to reach out for help
again if suicidal feelings return.
42. LETHALITY
Shotgun to head-99%
Cyanide-97%
Gunshot of head-97%
Shotgun to chest-96.4%
• Explosives-96.4%
• Hit by train-96.2%
• Jump from height-93.4%
• Gunshot of chest-89.5%
• Hanging-89.5%
43. HOW TO INTERVENE?
Ask client directly
• Have you thought about harming yourself in any
way? If so, what is your plan? Do you have a any
mean to carry out this plan?
Create a safe environment for the client
• Remove all potentially harmful objects from
client’s access-sharps objects, straps, belt,
glass items, alcohol.
• Supervise closely during meals and medication
administration
44. HOW TO INTERVENE?
Contract
• Formulate a short term verbal or written
contract that the client will not harm self.
• When time is up, make another, and so forth
• Secure a promise that the client will seek out
staff when feeling suicidal
45. HOW TO INTERVENE?
Observation
• Maintain close observation of the client.
• Provide one to one contact, constant visual
observation, or every 15 minute checks.
• Place in a room close to nurses station, do not assign
private room
• Accompany whenever necessary
• Make rounds at frequent , irregular intervals
especially at night, towards early morning, at change
of shift, or other predictable busy times for staff.
46. HOW TO INTERVENE?
Information for family and friends
• Be a good listener, be supportive. Let them know that
you are there for them and are willing to help them.
• Stress on the importance of that person in your life
• Express concern for the individuals, acknowledge the
pain and hopelessness and encourage to ventilate
• Stay with them. Do not leave them alone
• Show love and encouragement. Hold them. Touch
them and hug them. Allow them to cry
47. HOW TO INTERVENE?
• Remove any items from the home with which
the person may harm himself or herself
• Help them seek professional help
• Do not-judge them, show anger towards
them, provoke guilt in them, discount their
feelings or tell them to snap out of it.
• Take any hint of suicide seriously. Anyone
expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate
attention.
48. CONTD..
• Do not keep secrets, if a suicidal person
requests you to keep promise, do not make
that promise.
• They are ambivalent about dying, and
suicidal behavior is a cry for help. It is the
part of the person that wants to stay alive
that tells you about it. Get help for the person
and for you.
49. HIGH RISK FOR SELF MUTILATION
Ask the client directly “Have you thought of
harming yourself in anyway ? If so what do
you plan ?
Create a safe environment for the client
Make rounds at frequent, irregular intervals
Develop a contract with a patient
Provide close one to one observation
50. HIGH RISK FOR SELF MUTILATION
Remove all potentially
dangerous objects
Provide prescribed
medications
Identify cues triggers
that precede self
mutilation behaviour
51. HIGH RISK FOR MUTILATION
Help patient explore
feelings related to these
events
Reinforce adaptive
behaviour
Identify positive
consequences of
adaptive behaviour
53. POTENTIAL FOR SELF DIRECTED VIOLENCE
Encourage to participate activities he/she
likes
Foster healthy IPR
Assist patient to recognize coping
mechanisms
Reward healthy coping
54. INEFFECTIVE COPING
Invite patient to talk
Encourage ventilation of feelings
Communicate, concern, empathy, calm
control
Ask about precipitating factor
Obtain patient perception of stress
55. INEFFECTIVE COPING
Assess supports, resources,& usual coping
Prioritize needs & what coping have been
tried
Suggest alternative coping & assist in
implementing
Reinforce adaptive behaviour
56. SELF ESTEEM DISTURBANCE
Confirm the patient ‘s identity
Provide supportive measures to decrease
panic
Set limits on inappropriate behaviour
Work with whatever ego strengths the patient
possess
Assist to describe & express feelings,
thoughts
57. SELF ESTEEM DISTURBANCE
Help in identifying strengths, weaknesses
Respond empathetically
Identify stressors & patient’s appraisal of
them
Clarify faulty beliefs & cognitive distortions
Evaluate advantages & disturbances of
current coping
58. SELF ESTEEM DISTURBANCES
Encourage patient to formulate a new goal
Help patient to clearly define the change to
be made
Use role rehearsal, role modelling to
practice new behaviour
Provide opportunity for patient to experience
success
59. LEGAL ASPECT IN SUICIDE
As per IPC
Section 309- attempt to suicide can lead to
one year imprisonment and fine
Section 306- abetment to suicide lead to ten
years of imprisonment
60. SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Decreases availability of lethal weapons
Limitations on sale and availibility if alcohol &
drugs.
Increased public and professional awareness
about depression and suicide.
Less attention and reinforcement of suicide
behavior in media.
Community based crisis intervention clinics
Campaign to decrease stigma associated with
psychiatric care.
61. CONCLUSION
Suicide assessment should be done
continuously during in-patient at the hospital
either at admission, home or any change in
medication or other treatments
If you think a friend or family member is
considering suicide, you might be afraid to
bring up the subject. But talking openly about
suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
62. REFERENCES
Stuart, Principles And Practice of
Psychiatric Nursing, 10th edition, 1987,
Mosby, St. Louis, Page.no.323-339
Mary Townsend, Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 5 th. edition, 2000, Davis company,
Philadelphia, Page. No: 265-271
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109
/00048674.2011.590465 DOA 16/02/2014
Editor's Notes
thoughts of killing self, any plan so long as it is definite and detailed is high risk, guns and walking in front of busses are more serious than overdosing on Tylenol and slashing wrists, few reasons not to kill self, especially drinking or using drugs - can decide not to kill self but fail to act to reverse events and accidentally kill themselves