Suicide Risks, Essay Example

Questions about suicide risk assessment?

1. How should clinicians and doctors use risk factors with assessment? They should assume the worse then diagnose. Not all people will admit they are suicidal. They are often afraid to be sent to the hospital or to be outcasts in their mind.
2. Which diagnosis and symptoms should concern doctors? Bi-Polar, Major Depressive Disorder is the more serious diagnosis but Personality and Mood Disorders are very serious.
3. Should a doctor ask a patient to sign a no suicide contract? It is ethical but does not always prevent suicide because it is a clinical depression and when the mind starts wandering in despair suicidal thoughts are usually the first to arrive. However, often making a pact with a doctor shows he/she cares and the patient does not want to disappoint the doctor. People learn depression can be helped with the right medication and without suicide.
4. Is psychotherapy recommended for patients at risk of suicide? Yes psychotherapy is probably the best way to prevent suicide along with the right medications for depression and mood disorder. Talking to a professional for months with proper medication can often and will often help people to deal with issues in a new light.

What role does depression play in suicide in regards to one’s age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status? Depression and suicide do not discriminate however if someone in your family has depression one has a higher chance of ending up with depression and suicidal thoughts.  How do these particular variables correlate to, and what impact do they have on suicide rates? They increase suicidal rates.  Additionally, based on the suicide risk assessment instrument you selected, discuss what you would say or do in response to someone you know who is having difficulties with interpersonal style, emotional regulation, or impulse control. How would you react to someone who was threatening suicide in an overly dramatic way? I would take every suicidal thought and ideation as a real threat then analyze the person and then decide if they need to be hospitalized.

References

National Psychological Association and the DSMVII

Dennison, P. 2009 The Outlay of Psychology ISBN: 856327