Description
Suicide is a uniquley human behavior. What features of humans as a species influence our desire to commit suicide?
Explanation & Answer
Risk
factors that influences one to commit suicide include:
•
Sex- males to female ratio= 4:1 for all age
groups. Meaning that it affects more men than female.
• Age- rates increase with age. Men peaks after 45 vs women 55. *midlife crisis?
• Race- whites > blacks 2:1. rates also higher among immigrants than in natives
•
Religion- rates lower in Roman Catholics
than among Protestants and Jews
• Marital status- marriage reinforced by children seems to reduce risk significantly. Rates among Previously married > singles (pm= separated, divorced, widowed)
• Work- employment seems to generally reduce rate (jobless > employed). But rates also increase during economic recession, repression
• History of suicide or attempted suicide in the family. ( includes anniversary suicides)
• Previous suicidal behavior- best indicator. Risk highest within 3/12 of 1st attempt
• Physical health- markedly increased rates in chronic illnesses eg CNS (dementia, ms, epilepsy, head injuries), AIDS, Cancer- breast, cervix, prostrate, colon, stomach. L cirrhosis, loss of mobility (spinal injuries), severe burns with disfigurement in women,
• Mental health - substance abuse/dependence eg especially alcohol, cocaine, heroine. – **NB majority (95%) who attempt or commit have a psychiatry/ psychological problem ( 80% depressive disorders, 10% scz, others). – rates 3-12 times higher than in non psychiatry..
• Drugs- long term use of reserpine, some anti hypertensives, corticosteroids, some cytotoxics= symptomatic depression. Alcohol dependence- 15% commit suicide
• Poor personal, family relationships & social isolation.
• Losses-job, finances, income, loved ones,
• Feelings of worthless, hopelessness, helpless accompanied by guilt. Suicidal thoughts, ideas, plans, suicidal notes
• Occupation – the higher the social status the higher the risk/rate but also a fall in social status increases risk. –Medics have higher rates than general population. –most have depression or substance dependence. – often associated with recent professional, personal, family difficulties. –often by drug overdose (availability & toxicity knowledge)
- others at high risk eg lawyers, law enforcement officers, insurance agents, musicians.
Please let me know if you need any clarification. I'm always happy to answer your questions.