psychiatristwtlftxt

Text Only version

Preventing Suicide Network Helping those who help others

[Register&Login] [Purchase Resources] [Searches] (These functions are not available in a text-only format, you will be directed to the Primary Web site)

[Privacy&Terms] [About Us] [Site Map] [FAQ] [Submit a Resource] [Write Us] [Technical Support] [Search by Intermediary]

You are here: Text Only Home > Intermediary Role: Psychiatrist > What to look for as a Psychiatrist

What to look for as a Psychiatrist

Introduction

“Causes” of suicidality

The varying perspectives on the causes of suicidality can help psychiatrists to have a comprehensive, biopsychosocial assessment of their patients who may be at risk for suicide or in a suicide crisis.

Biological Perspectives

A common perspective among psychiatrists is to view the etiology of suicidality as biochemical in nature. This approach is grounded in the perspective that suicidal individuals manifest various chemical imbalances that must be treated with medications.

Asberg and colleagues initially demonstrated in 1976 that patients with low levels of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), a breakdown product of serotonin, were more likely to die by suicide, and to use more violent means (Reference 2).

Psychological Theories

Modern psychological theories of suicide are influenced by Freud's work in the early twentieth century. Edwin Shneidman, considered by many to be the father of modern suicidology, has described several common characteristics of suicide, including a sense of unbearable psychological pain, a sense of isolation from others, and the perception that death is the only solution when the individual is temporarily not able to think clearly due to being blinded by overwhelming pain...

>>MORE

References for What to look for as a Psychiatrist

Case Study

The following clinical example illustrates how a Psychiatrist might encounter a veiled threat and the subtle signs and symptoms associated with a suicidal client.

Tom was a 15-year-old adolescent who was brought to the Emergency Department of the local community hospital after attempting suicide. Following a messy break up with his girlfriend, he had locked himself in his parents' car and started the engine in an enclosed garage. Although he became unconscious, Tom was rescued after his parents smelled the exhaust from the engine and broke a car window to get him out...

>>MORE

Resources

Electronic, print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to find additional authoritative information on What to look for as a Psychiatrist. These resources are available from such national organizations as The National Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Internet

Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Web site

The SOS Web site is an independently owned and operated web site and is in no way associated with any specific group, organization or religious affiliation. The purpose of the Survivors of Suicide Web site is to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way.

Edwin Shneidman's Common Characteristics of Completed Suicide is available on the SOS Web site and reference credit is given to Thomas Oltmanns and Robert Emery from the University of Virginia.

The SOS Web page detailing Shneidman's Common Characteristics of Completed Suicide is available at the following Web address:

http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/understanding.shtml

>>MORE

What to look for

>>Myths

>Professional resources