Risks for suicide following deliberate self-harm
Of primary importance is the degree of suicidal intent demonstrated by the present episode. A high suicidal intent is suggested by:
- planning
- efforts to avoid discovery
- a failure to obtain help
- the use of what the patient thinks is a dangerous method
- final acts such as taking the cat to a relative
Other risk factors for suicide include:
- continuing suicidal intent
- psychological disorder e.g. depression and schizophrenia
- alcohol or drug abuse
- personality disorder, especially antisocial
- previous episodes of DSH
- social problems e.g. isolation and unemployment
- older age
- male sex
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