Psychiatric Disorders and Suicide Assessment

Woodbridge Township School District First-year Teacher Training Program

University Behavioral HealthCare

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New jersey

Understanding the Magnitude

29,000 people in the US die by suicide every year

6-10 people are intimately and profoundly affected by each death

It is the 3rd leading cause of death for people 15-24 years of age

86% of parents are unaware of their child’s suicidal behavior

Recently in NJ

There have been 3 successful suicides of 6th graders

The greatest increase of suicide has been in children ages 10-14

Importance to Teachers

CDC survey found that training of teachers clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of the educator to identify and refer.

Educators have a large role in identifying students at risk- we see the kids every day!

Training increases teacher confidence in recognizing suicidal students.

Part A- Suicide Risk Factors

Part B- Warning Signs

A. Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

3 Psychiatric Disorders that put youth at a higher risk for suicide…

1. Bipolar Disorder- alternating mania and depression.

Symptoms of mania: excessive confidence, racing thoughts, increased talking, distractibility, irritability, aggression, risk-

taking, etc.

Symptoms of depression are the same for those of major depression disorder.

3 Psychiatric Disorders that put youth at a higher risk for suicide…

2. Major Depressive Disorder-

Symptoms of depression : sadness, tearfulness, decreased motivation, low self esteem, anxiety, absences from school, change in eating or sleeping patterns, high risk behaviors, irritability, anger, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, hopelessness, etc.

3 Psychiatric Disorders that put youth at a higher risk for suicide…

3. Conduct Disorder- deficient skills in problem solving, emotional regulation, and relating to those around them.

Symptoms of Conduct Disorder: bullies others, initiates fights, engages in illegal behaviors, lies for benefit or to avoid obligations.

Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

Biology

Brain biochemistry: neurotransmitter dysfunction may lead to the 3 disorders previously discussed.

Effects of drugs and alcohol.

Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

Family History & Genetics

Family psychopathology Previous familial suicide attempts or suicidal

behavior Environmental influence (imitation)

Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

Personality Traits

Aggression Impulsivity Extreme sensitivity

Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

Life Events/Chronic Illness

Relational or social loss Increase in negative experiences (bullying,

legal or disciplinary problems, school problems)

Extreme sensitivity Physical or sexual abuse Ongoing witness to violence Prolonged illness

Suicide Risk Factors

Psychiatric Disorder Biology Family History & Genetics Personality Traits Life events/Chronic Illness Social/Cultural Influences

Social/Cultural Influences

Lack of social support Barriers to accessing mental health and

substance abuse treatment Stigma or help seeking Access to firearms

B. Warning Signs

Risk factors tell us to pay attention Warning signs tell us to call for help

Warning signs will often persist for more than 2 weeks (although some youth may act impulsively)

List of Warning Signs

Substance abuse (excessive or increased) Purposeless (no reason to live) Anxiety (agitation/insomnia) Trapped (feeling no way out) Withdrawal (from friends, family, society) Anger (rage/revenge) Recklessness (risky acts, impulsive

behaviors) Mood changes

More Warning Signs

Threats of suicide Statements about hopelessness,

worthlessness. Making last will and testament Putting things in order/ giving away

possessions Hinting- verbal, written, artwork Sudden cheerfulness after previous

depression

Referral Procedures

Know your school’s procedure for suicidal youth.

Never promise or make deals about confidentiality

Never leave a suicidal youth alone Alert crisis team and school administration