A literature review on the Instruments and Methods to Help Understand, Assess and Successfully Prevent Suicide

Details

Supervisors

Philippot, Pierre

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences psychologiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Suicide is a serious public health problem and is one of the leading causes worldwide across different age groups. It differs from other health problems in that it can be prevented if detected early on. The ambivalence characteristic shared by most suicidal patients is what renders suicide preventable. Detecting suicide risk and diagnosing it has been a common struggle among clinicians and mental health professionals. This struggle stems from a lack of appropriate tools and diagnostic criteria to support professionals in doing so. In this paper, issues concerning the diagnosis of suicidal behavior is discussed, as well as extensive research about different suicide models, the suicide process, and the known risk and protective factors. Assessment tools to help in detecting suicide risk are also reviewed, along with recommendations and preventive strategies. A guide that all clinicians should possess throughout their practice is the RUD (Risk, Urgency, Danger) which is discussed in more detail. It serves as a practical and informative manual for accurately assessing suicide urgency. Additional research is required to completely comprehend suicide, its etiology and dynamic, however the existing research and models are reliable and effective.