Care plan for a person at risk for suicide.

Care Plan for a Person at Risk for Suicide

Patient Profile: A 35-year-old individual, recently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, expressing feelings of hopelessness and social isolation. The patient has a history of a suicide attempt three years ago.

Assessment:

Safety Risk: High. The patient has a history of a suicide attempt and is currently experiencing symptoms of depression and hopelessness.

Protective Factors: No current protective factors identified, such as a strong support system or active coping mechanisms.

Care Plan:

Goal 1: Ensure Immediate Safety. The primary goal is to prevent any self-harm.

Intervention: Conduct a formal risk assessment, including an inquiry about suicidal ideation, a specific plan, and access to means. Implement a safety plan with the patient, which includes identifying triggers, coping strategies, and a list of emergency contacts.

Rationale: A structured safety plan empowers the patient by giving them concrete steps to follow during a crisis, reducing the likelihood of impulsive self-harm.

Goal 2: Establish a Therapeutic Relationship and Reduce Isolation.

Intervention: Schedule frequent, consistent follow-up appointments. Encourage and facilitate connection with a support group or a peer-support network. Teach the patient to identify and challenge negative thoughts using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Sample Answer

The provided article, "Progress towards prevention of suicide in India by improving print media reporting of suicide news," discusses the high suicide rates in India and the role of responsible media reporting as an evidence-based prevention strategy. The study, conducted in Tamil Nadu, a state with historically high suicide rates, uses a repeat content analysis to assess changes in how print media reports suicide news. The core objective is to determine if efforts to improve media reporting, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, have been effective in reducing sensationalism and providing helpful resources. The article's premise is that sensational and detailed reporting of suicide methods can lead to copycat suicides, while responsible reporting that includes helpline numbers and focuses on the underlying mental health issues can help prevent them. The findings would show whether media in the region has adopted these guidelines and how that correlates with suicide rates, suggesting a viable population-level intervention for a country with one of the world's highest suicide burdens.The provided article, "Progress towards prevention of suicide in India by improving print media reporting of suicide news," discusses the high suicide rates in India and the role of responsible media reporting as an evidence-based prevention strategy. The study, conducted in Tamil Nadu, a state with historically high suicide rates, uses a repeat content analysis to assess changes in how print media reports suicide news. The core objective is to determine if efforts to improve media reporting, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, have been effective in reducing sensationalism and providing helpful resources. The article's premise is that sensational and detailed reporting of suicide methods can lead to copycat suicides, while responsible reporting that includes helpline numbers and focuses on the underlying mental health issues can help prevent them. The findings would show whether media in the region has adopted these guidelines and how that correlates with suicide rates, suggesting a viable population-level intervention for a country with one of the world's highest suicide burdens.