Depression - suicide; Bipolar -suicide DefinitionSuicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug overdose or crashing a car on purpose. CausesSuicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with one or more of the following:
People who try to take their own life are often trying to get away from a situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who attempt suicide are seeking relief from:
Suicidal behaviors may occur when there is a situation or event that the person finds overwhelming, such as:
Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:
While men are more likely than women to die by suicide, women are twice as likely to attempt suicide. Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help. Some people attempt suicide in a way that is less likely to be fatal, such as poisoning or overdose. Men are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. As a result, suicide attempts by men are more likely to result in death. Relatives of people who attempt or complete suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. However, people who attempt suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world. SymptomsOften, but not always, a person may show certain signs and behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as:
TreatmentPeople who are at risk of suicidal behavior may not seek treatment for many reasons, including:
A person may need emergency treatment after a suicide attempt. They may need first aid, CPR, or more intensive treatments. People who try to take their own life may need to stay in a hospital for treatment and to reduce the risk of future attempts. Therapy is one of the most important parts of treatment. Any mental health disorder that may have led to the suicide attempt should be evaluated and treated. This includes:
Always take suicide attempts and threats seriously. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night. You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay. Call 911 or the local emergency number right away if someone you know has attempted suicide. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help. Support GroupsMore information and support for people in crisis and their loved ones can be found at the: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
Veteran's Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net/ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org/get-help Outlook (Prognosis)About 10% to 20% of people who make threats or try to take their own life will eventually kill themselves. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact a health care provider right away if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. The person needs mental health care right away. DO NOT dismiss the person as just trying to get attention. PreventionAvoiding alcohol and drugs (other than prescribed medicines) can reduce the risk of suicide. In homes with children or teenagers:
In older adults, further investigate feelings of hopelessness, being a burden, and not belonging. Many people who try to take their own life talk about it before making the attempt. Sometimes, just talking to someone who cares and who does not judge them is enough to reduce the risk of suicide. However, if you are a friend, family member, or you know someone who you think may attempt suicide, never try to manage the problem on your own. Seek help. Suicide prevention centers have telephone "hotline" services. Never ignore a suicide threat or attempted suicide. ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. Other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022:chap 22. Brendel RW, Koh KA, Perlis RH, Stern TA. Care of the suicidal patient. In: Stern TA, Freudenreich O, Smith FA, Fricchione GL, Rosenbaum JF, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 44. DeMaso DR, Walter HJ. Suicide and attempted suicide. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum, NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40. | |
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Review Date: 5/10/2023 Reviewed By: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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