Attempted suicide
Definition of attempted suicide:
Any act of self-damage inflicted
with self-destructive intention, however vague or ambivalent is an attempted
suicide.
If the patient dies as a result of the act it
is called 'suicide' otherwise it is called attempted suicide.
Evaluation of attempted suicide:
To evaluate or assess
the suicidal patient get answers to the following questions -
1. 1. Whether
the patient belongs to the high-risk group?
a)
Old age, loneliness, social isolation.
b)
Mental illness e.g. severe depression,
schizophrenia, hysteria, antisocial personality.
c)
Physical illness e.g. incurable,
painful, long-term physical illness.
d)
Alcohol and drug dependence.
e)
Past history and family history of
suicidal behavior.
2. The method used-
was it harmless or potentially fatal?
3. Is there any real
intention to die? If so why?
4. The place and time
- was it carried out in the absence of others?
5. Are there any
serious risk factors?
a)
Is there any significant recent loss
e.g. death of close relative, loss of job or self-esteem.
b)
Were there any suicide talk, suicide
letter, suicide plans?
c)
Is there a will or any last wish?
Management of attempted suicide patient:
1. The initial
intensive medical care of the acute physical conditions.
2. The psychological
approach:
a)
Crisis intervention
b)
Individual counseling
c)
Psychotherapy to the patient and
family members.
Nursing Care of Attempted Suicide Patient:
1. Give the patient
an opportunity to express his / her feelings.
2. Improve
communication by a sympathetic approach.
3. Strengthen
self-esteem by supportive psychotherapy and reassurance.
4. Facilitate problem
solving by –
a)
Identifying the problems.
b)
Identifying the alternatives.
c)
Being clear of the situation and
practical solution.
d)
Choosing one alternative and following
it up.
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