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Factors associated with risk of repetition of attempted suicide

Factors Associated with Risk of Repetition of Attempted Suicide Previous Attempt: Individuals who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk of repeating the attempt. This is because past attempts may indicate a higher level of psychological distress and a greater likelihood of attempting suicide again in the future. Personality Disorder: People with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, are also at an increased risk of repeating attempted suicide. These disorders can cause significant emotional instability, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Criminal Record: Those with a criminal record are at a higher risk of repeating attempted suicide. This may be due to a history of substance abuse, impulsivity, and aggression, which can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. History of Violence: Individuals with a history of violence are also at an increased risk of repeating attempte

A brief Description and Interpretation of Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale

  Beck Suicide Ideation Scale Waleed Ahmad Aaron Beck developed the Beck Suicidal ideation scale in 1979. 1 The scale applies to those aged seventeen and above . Five items for screening and the rest for severity are on the scale.  The first ten items assess active suicidal desire. Interpretation A score of up to six indicates low risk . According to the interpretation, those scoring above six but lower than thirteen are at moderate risk of suicide . Individuals with a severe risk of suicide score between 13 and 20, while those who score higher than twenty-one have a very high risk of suicide. About the Author The author is a consultant psychiatrist at the department of psychiatry, Mercy Teaching Hospital Peshawar, and a member of the faculty at the department of psychiatry and behavioural sciences, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, 25000, KP, Pakistan. Email: dr.waleed@outlook.com  Reference Beck, A. T., Kovacs, M., & Weissman, A. (1979). Assessment of Suicidal Inten

Biological Factors Associated with Suicide

Biological Factors Associated with Suicide Studies have linked suicidal behavior to decreased activity of brain 5- HT pathways. Markers of 5- HT function, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5- HIAA and the density of 5- HT transporter sites, are lowered in suicide victims. Abnormalities in brain 5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmission have been reported in patients with impulsive and aggressive behavior, and low levels of the 5- HT metabolite 5- hydroxy indole acetic acid (5- HIAA) have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of subjects who have committed acts of unpremeditated violence.  References Harrison PJ, Cowen P, Burns T, Fazel M. Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2018., 7th edition, Chapter 21, page no 613).  Linnoila VM, Virkkunen M. Aggression, suicidality, and serotonin. The Journal of clinical psychiatry. 1992 Oct).