Educating medical professionals about suicide prevention among military veterans

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Ganz ◽  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Physical Injuries ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Psychosocial Difficulties ◽  
Military Veteran ◽  
Careful Assessment

Abstract The aim of this paper was to discuss the results of a review of literature related to suicide in military veteran populations. Suicide in veteran populations has been increasing in recent years, and continues to be a medical and social problem across the globe. For medical health professionals, knowledge of the risk factors for suicide, careful assessment, and appropriate interventions are key to suicide prevention. The main aim of this review is to better understand the risk factors present in veteran suicide and find ways by which to educate medical professionals in suicide prevention. Key suicide risk factors found in veteran populations include posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, physical injuries, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, combat-related guilt, access to firearms, and insufficient social support. Some psychosocial difficulties are unique to veteran populations, and medical professionals should be culturally sensitive to these factors. Psychosocial changes upon discharge from active duty, as well as stigma against mental health disorders and treatment, should also be considered and assessed. Given that general practitioners may be the first line of defense for these veterans, they should be educated in risk factors for veteran suicide and proper assessment techniques. Any suicide risk in a veteran population should be taken very seriously, and responded to appropriately.

A Model for Analyzing Suicide Prevention

Crisis ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maila Upanne
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Practical Work ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Prevention Project ◽  
Individual Risk Factors

This study monitored the evolution of psychologists' (n = 31) conceptions of suicide prevention over the 9-year course of the National Suicide Prevention Project in Finland and assessed the feasibility of the theoretical model for analyzing suicide prevention developed in earlier studies [ Upanne, 1999a , b ]. The study was formulated as a retrospective self-assessment where participants compared their earlier descriptions of suicide prevention with their current views. The changes in conceptions were analyzed and interpreted using both the model and the explanations given by the subjects themselves. The analysis proved the model to be a useful framework for revealing the essential features of prevention. The results showed that the freely-formulated ideas on prevention were more comprehensive than those evolved in practical work. Compared to the earlier findings, the conceptions among the group had shifted toward emphasizing a curative approach and the significance of individual risk factors. In particular, greater priority was focused on the acute suicide risk phase as a preventive target. Nonetheless, the overall structure of prevention ideology remained comprehensive and multifactorial, stressing multistage influencing. Promotive aims (protective factors) also remained part of the prevention paradigm. Practical working experiences enhanced the psychologists' sense of the difficulties of suicide prevention as well as their criticism and feeling of powerlessness.

How to increase the role of social workers in suicide preventive interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 186-195
Author(s):  
Joshua Levine ◽  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Preventive Interventions ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors ◽  
Suicidal Patients

AbstractObjective:Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families and societies all over the world. International studies provide consistent evidence that the presence of psychiatrists in a region is associated with lesser suicide rates. However, many psychiatric patients including suicidal patients do not have access to psychiatrists. This indicates that mental health and non-mental health social workers need to be involved in suicide prevention efforts. This paper is the first comprehensive work that discusses how to increase the role of social workers in the area of suicide prevention.Methods:A review of the relevant literature.Results:Increasing the role of social workers in suicide prevention efforts may reduce suicide risk in groups and people at elevated risk for suicide, as well as the general population.Conclusion:Recommendations are provided for how the social work profession can improve upon suicide prevention while incorporating universal, selective and indicated suicide preventive interventions. Social work research efforts should focus on how to increase the role of social workers in suicide prevention and the management of suicidal patients. Social work education programmes should modify their curricula and increase their attention on suicide prevention. Mental health social workers need to educate the patient and their family on suicide risk factors. Furthermore, mental health and non-mental health social workers need to educate the general public on suicide risk factors.

Teaching medical professionals and trainees about adolescent suicide prevention: five key problems

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Adolescent Suicide ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Suicidal Patients

Abstract Predicting and preventing suicide represent very difficult challenges for clinicians. The awareness of adolescent suicide as a major social and medical problem has increased over the past years. However, many health care professionals who have frequent contact with adolescents are not sufficiently trained in suicide evaluation techniques and approaches to adolescents with suicidal behavior. Suicide prevention efforts among adolescents are restricted by the fact that there are five key problems related to the evaluation and management of suicidality in adolescents: 1. Many clinicians underestimate the importance of the problem of adolescent suicidal behavior and underestimate its prevalence. 2. There is a misconception that direct questioning of adolescents about suicidality is sufficient to evaluate suicide risk. 3. Another misconception is that adolescents with non-psychiatric illnesses do not need to be evaluated for suicidality. 4. Many clinicians do not know about or underestimate the role of contagion in adolescent suicidal behavior. 5. There is a mistaken belief that adolescent males are at lower suicide risk than adolescent females. Educating medical professionals and trainees about the warning signs and symptoms of adolescent suicide and providing them with tools to recognize, evaluate, and manage suicidal patients represent a promising approach to adolescent suicide prevention.

scholarly journals Adolescent and Youth Suicide: Risk Factors and Approaches to Prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-136
Author(s):  
Svetlana Markova ◽  
Catherine Nikitskaya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
School Psychologists ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors

The aim of this article is to explore current approach to suicide prevention at school. The article provides information about statistics and the importance of the problem. It addresses risk and protective factors of suicide and its causes. In addition, it provides a detailed examination of the role of school in suicide prevention. The article contains information regarding specific interventions for staff members, administration and school psychologists. It discusses existing tools and programs the school has access to in order to prevent suicidal behaviors and ideations among students.

scholarly journals Prevention of Suicidal Behavior in Prisons

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 323-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Marzano ◽  
Keith Hawton ◽  
Adrienne Rivlin ◽  
E. Naomi Smith ◽  
Mary Piper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Specific Factors

Abstract. Background: Worldwide, prisoners are at high risk of suicide. Research on near-lethal suicide attempts can provide important insights into risk and protective factors, and inform suicide prevention initiatives in prison. Aims: To synthesize findings of research on near-lethal attempts in prisons, and consider their implications for suicide prevention policies and practice, in the context of other research in custody and other settings. Method: We searched two bibliographic indexes for studies in any language on near-lethal and severe self-harm in prisoners, supplemented by targeted searches over the period 2000–2014. We extracted information on risk factors descriptively. Data were not meta-analyzed owing to heterogeneity of samples and methods. Results: We identified eight studies reporting associations between prisoner near-lethal attempts and specific factors. The latter included historical, prison-related, and clinical factors, including psychiatric morbidity and comorbidity, trauma, social isolation, and bullying. These factors were also identified as important in prisoners' own accounts of what may have contributed to their attempts (presented in four studies). Conclusion: Factors associated with prisoners' severe suicide attempts include a range of potentially modifiable clinical, psychosocial, and environmental factors. We make recommendations to address these factors in order to improve detection, management, and prevention of suicide risk in prisoners.

An Evaluation of Suicide Gatekeeper Training for School Counselors and Teachers

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0801100
Author(s):  
Carli Reis ◽  
Dewey Cornell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Training Program ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Gatekeeper Training ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors

The study in this article compared counselors and teachers on measures of suicide knowledge and prevention practices after participation in a statewide training program in student suicide prevention using the “Question, Persuade, and Refer” program. Follow-up surveys conducted an average of 4.7 months after training indicated that trainees (73 counselors and 165 teachers) demonstrated greater knowledge of suicide risk factors and reported making more no-harm contracts than did controls (74 counselors and 98 teachers). In comparison to teachers, counselors demonstrated greater knowledge of risk factors and reported questioning more potentially suicidal students and making more contracts and outside referrals. These findings support the value of gatekeeper training for both counselors and teachers and substantiate the important role of counselors in suicide prevention.

scholarly journals Suicide risk factors in the professional military personnel in the Army of Serbia

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordana Dedic ◽  
Milivoje Panic
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors ◽  
Negative Balance

Background/Aim. Recognition of suicide risk factors is important in taking adequate suicide preventive measures, Suicide Prevention Program for Professional Military Personnel (PMP) implemented in the Army of Serbia in 2003. The aim of our study was to establish suicide risk factors in PMP of the Army of Serbia. Methods. Analysis of suicide risk factors in PMP was carried out on the basis of data obtained by psychological suicide autopsy. The controls were demographically similar psychiatric outpatients with no history of suicidal behavior. A descriptive statistics method was used for risk factors analysis. The t-test was used for testing statistical hypotheses. Results. A total of 30 PMP, aged 22-49 years (30.53 ? 6.24 on average) committed suicide within the period 1998-2007. Distal suicide risk factors in PMP were considered to be not being married, psychiatric heredity, having no outpatient psychiatric treatment, gambling, regular physical practice (bodybuilding), less transfer to a different post, low motivation for military service (p < 0.001), not having children, parental loss in early childhood, alcohol abuse (p < 0.005), low salary (p < 0.01) uncompleted military school, debts in the family (p < 0.05). The commonest proximal suicide risk factors were: actual family problems (36.6%), actual mental problems (13.3%), burnout (13.3%), negative balance of accounts (13.3%), professional problems (6.7%), behavioral model while for 10.0% PMP suicide risk factors could not be established. Conclusion. According to the presence of multiple suicide risk factors, Suicide Prevention Program for PMP in the Army of Serbia is directed to the prevention of both proximal and distal suicide risk factors.

scholarly journals Soldiers suicides risk factors in the Serbian Army Forces

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 548-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordana Dedic ◽  
Milivoj Panic
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
The One

Background/Aim. Analyses of suicide risk factors enable to undertake appropriate preventive measures within the Suicide Prevention Program in Military Environment, which was fully applied in 2003 in the Serbian Army Forces. The aim of our study was to identify the most important suicide risk factors in soldiers within the period from 1998 to 2007. Methods. Analysis of suicide risk factors was carried out on the basis of data obtained by psychological suicide autopsy. The control group was matched with adapted soldiers by socio-demographic factors. A descriptive statistical analysis was used. Comparison of groups of soldiers was done by the t-test and Pearson's ?2-test. Results. A total of 35 soldiers aged 22-49 years (21.76 ? 1.76 years on average) committed suicide within the period 1999-2007, the 2/3 within, and 1/3 out of a military compound. More than one half soldiers committed suicide after transferring to a different post. Soldiers who committed suicide had come from uncompleted, dysfunctional families (p < 0.05). In comparison with the adapted soldiers, in premilitary period they had more interpersonal problems with their comrades (p < 0.001) and problems with law (p < 0.05). During military service, alcohol consumption was less presented; they used to have fewer separation problems (p < 0.05) and to be rarely awarded (p < 0.001) in comparison with the adapted soldiers. A soldier who committed suicide was emotionally and socially immature persons. The commonest motives for suicide were: decreased capacity of adaptation to military service, actual psychic disturbance, emotional interruption, fear of environment judgment, actual family problems, but in the one fifth, motive stayed unrecognized. Conclusion. Suicide risk factors in soldiers are primary in their immature personality organization, its relation with family and military environment factors which, in coexistence with actual life accidents, result in suicide as a consequence. A suicide prevention program in Serbian Army Forces should be designed to prevent multiple suicide risk factors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document