Understanding Suicide Across the Lifespan: A United States Perspective of Suicide Risk Factors, Assessment & Management. J Forensic Sci 2018 Jan;63(1):162-171
Date
06/24/2017Pubmed ID
28639299DOI
10.1111/1556-4029.13519Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85021232249 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 103 CitationsAbstract
Suicide is a troubling, preventable phenomenon. Prior to attempts, individuals often seek help, prompting practitioners to perform risk assessments that ideally use evidence-based risk management strategies. A literature review was performed using Harvard Countway Library of Medicine, Google Scholar, PubMed. Key words used were "Forensic Science," "Suicide Risk Management," "Pediatric Suicide Risk Factors," "Adult Suicide Risk Factors," "Geriatric Suicide Risk Factors," "Suicide Risk Assessment." Parameters limited articles to studies/reviews completed in the past twenty years in the United States. Results indicated predictors of suicide in juveniles were insomnia, burdensomeness, and recent conflicts with family or a romantic partner. Adults had greater risk if male, substance abusing, with marital/job loss. Elderly individuals with multiple medical comorbidities, hopelessness, and isolation were at higher risk. Everyone evaluated should be screened for access to firearms. Management of suicide risk involves providing the least restrictive form of treatment which maintains an individual's safety.
Author List
Steele IH, Thrower N, Noroian P, Saleh FMAuthor
Ian H. Steele MD Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
DivorceFamily Conflict
Humans
Multiple Chronic Conditions
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Social Isolation
Substance-Related Disorders
Suicide
Unemployment
