Abnormal Psychology Ch 9 (Suicide)

-The intentional, direct, and conscious taking of one's own life -Of people who contemplate suicide, up to 90 percent have a mental illness -Often undiagnosed

-About one million adults attempt suicide each year -One completed suicide for every 25 attempts -Suicide is third leading cause of death among college students -Actual suicide rate may be 25-30 higher percent than recorded because some deaths were deemed accidental

-bullying -copycat suicides -Decreased use of antidepressants within this age group

-Increasing rate of suicides in the military: 349 deaths in 2012, more than the 295 combat-related deaths in Afghanistan during same period -Factors contributing to increased risk: Barriers to mental health care in the military, PTSD, Frequent separation from family, Loss of comrades

-Comprehensive study of suicidal ideation in students at over 70 colleges: More than 50 percent reported suicidal thoughts; 18 percent seriously considered attempting suicide (Among these, 90-92 percent had a specific plan) -Between 8 and 14 percent had made an attempt -Approximately 80 percent of students who die by suicide did not seek professional help -45 percent never tell anyone about their intentions -Some signs of suicidal risk: Verbalizing intentions, Withdrawal and depression, Giving away prized possessions

-Suicide rates for elderly men are the highest of any age group -Suicide likely to accompany depression -Factors for increased risk: Significant health issues, Loss of independence, Bereavement, serious financial and relationship problems

-Suicide influenced by low serotonin levels in the brain -Genetics relationship is unclear

-Many have history of mental illness -Factors of particularly high risk: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Eating disorders, Some anxiety and personality disorders, Substance abuse

-Intolerable pain created from an absence of joy -Strongly associated with suicidal ideation

Focusing thoughts on the negative aspects of personal situations

-Many suicides are interpersonal in nature: Occur following relationship conflicts -Disconnection from friends, family, religious institution, or community increases susceptibility to suicide -Factors in children who consider suicide: loss of significant parenting figure before age 12, Abuse, and unpredictable traumatic events

-Stable marriage or relationship makes suicide less likely -For women, having children decreases suicide risk -People who are divorced, separated, or widowed have higher suicide rates than the married -Death of a spouse associated with 50 percent higher suicide rate for men

-Inability to integrate oneself into society -Lack of close ties deprives one of support systems necessary for adaptive functioning

-Modern technological society -Alienation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth

-Highest rate of completed suicides: American Indian/Alaska Native, European American males -Lower rates: African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander -Social change and disorganization may be a contributing factor

-Females have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts -Death from suicide occurs much more frequently among males (79 percent of all U.S. suicides) -Males tend to choose most lethal methods -Drug overdose/poisoning most common means for women

-During recession that began in 2008, U.S. suicides increased by 1,580 from 2008-2010 -During Greece's economic challenges, Suicide rate increased by more than 60 percent -Risk factors: Unemployment, Bankruptcy

-Suicide rate is lower in countries where the Catholic Church has a strong influence -Islam also condemns suicide -Where religious sanctions against suicide are weak or absent, higher suicide rates are observed

-Early detection and successful intervention (Understanding risk and protective factors) -Paths to intervention: Self-referrals or referrals from concerned family or friends, Gatekeeper training (Designated people within a system learn about risk factors and screening methods)

Three-step process: Know which factors increase likelihood of suicide, Determine probability that person will act on suicide wish (high, moderate, or low), Implement appropriate actions

-Previous suicide attempts -Having suicidal ideation or a suicide plan -Verbal communications of intent -Withdrawal, restlessness, changes in sleep patterns -Saying goodbye and putting affairs in order

-Written agreement between a suicidal person and therapist or person involved in crisis intervention -Lack of research supporting effectiveness

-Treatment often involves both medication and psychotherapy -CBT and DBT proven to reduce suicide risk by 50 percent compared to other forms of therapy -CBT focuses on vulnerabilities -DBT focuses on helping clients accept current lives and emotional anguish