Suicide is a tragic historical and global public health issue with evidence of suicidal behaviours in ancient cultures. 

Suicide means killing self. The act constitutes a person willingly taking his own life.  

Globally, an estimated 903,000 people take their own lives annually, out of these global suicides, 77% occur in low- and middle-income countries.  

Researchers study psychological and sociological factors in modern suicidal mental health concerns. 

Collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups promotes mental health awareness and support services. 

Psychological Theories of suicide are: 

Psychological Theories 

Psychodynamic Theories 

Cognitive-Behavioural Theories 

Depression, isolation, suicide attempts, substance abuse, mental illness major suicide factors. 

Various factors contribute to the risk of suicide. Mental disorders, impulsivity, and crisis moments significantly influence suicidal behavior. Risk factors include family loss, loneliness, social discrimination, breakup, financial problems, violence, and conflict. 

Vulnerability among youth is noticeable, with evolving judgment and impulsivity contributing to their increased risk. 

Certain demographic groups are at greater risk of suicide. Middle-aged individuals have the highest suicide rates.  

Low levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine increase risk of suicide due to impulsivity and aggression. 

Prefrontal cortex abnormalities seen in suicide attempts or victims due to decision-making and impulse control. 

Amygdala in suicidal people shows increased emotion regulation and stress response activity. 

Depression and suicide attempt are associated with decreased hippocampal volume, that affects emotional process and stress regulation. 

Causes of suicide as follows: 

Medications 

Mental illness 

Sex and Genetics 

Availability of firearms 

Life experiences 

Physical illness 

Economic instability and status 

Media and the Internet 

Psychodynamic formulation 

Previous suicide attempts indicate higher risk, especially with conditions like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders present. 

Addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs is closely tied to suicidal tendencies due to impaired decision-making and increased impulsiveness. Despair and hopelessness are common precursors to suicidal thoughts. 

Multiple psychiatric disorders increase suicide risk, especially shortly after discharge from inpatient care. 

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults and elderly individuals. 

Systematic Examination  

Mental Status Examination 

Detailed Physical Examination 

Persistent suicidal thoughts without a specific plan or intent. Feelings of hopelessness, burden on others, or desire to escape emotional pain without planning suicide. 

Person is not currently planning to act on suicidal thoughts but is experiencing increased focus on death and specific methods discussed. 

The GLS Memorial Act has funded 68 state, territory, tribal community grants, and 74 college campus grants for youth suicide prevention. 

Countries with GLS program activities had lower suicide attempt rates among 16- to 23-year-olds the year after implementation compared to counties without GLS programs. 

Screening with Patient Health Questionnaire depression module, especially item 9 can detect risk of self-harm. 

Screening tests represent one clinical approach to identify patients at suicide risk. Treatment for suicidal patients ensures safety through risk assessment and clinical inquiry.  

Inpatient hospital care in a safe and supervised arrangement is a crucial step for suicidal patients. 

Depression requires medication and therapy. Suicidal schizophrenia patients need aggressive treatment for hallucinations and delusions. 

Psychiatry/Mental Health

Medication for mental disorders is tailored to each patient. Proper treatment of psychiatric illness is key to prevent suicide. 

Patient with severe depression experiences hopelessness, helplessness, suicidal thoughts, and planning. 

Encourage the safe storage of medications and educating individuals about overdose risks can help reduce accidental or impulsive suicide attempts. 

Arrange mental health awareness and education programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. 

Proper education and awareness about suicide should be provided and its related causes, and how to stop it with management strategies. 

Appointments with a psychiatrist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Psychiatry/Mental Health

• Fluoxetine: It inhibits presynaptic serotonin reuptake with minimal or no effect in the reuptake of norepinephrine or dopamine.  
• Citalopram: It enhances serotonin activity due to selective reuptake inhibition at the neuronal membrane.  

Psychiatry/Mental Health

• Venlafaxine: It inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake to treat depression. 

Psychiatry/Mental Health

• Lithium:  It is a mood stabilizer that can effectively reduce suicide risk, especially for individuals with bipolar disorder.  

Psychiatry/Mental Health

Suicidal thoughts are severe and require professional help from psychiatrists.  

Treatment interventions for suicide can include a combination of therapies, medications, and support systems. 

Psychiatry/Mental Health

In the assessment phase, includes evaluation of the individual’s mental state and immediate risk factors. 

Provide education on suicide prevention and emotional regulation to help individuals have healthier ways to deal with distress and manage difficult emotions. 

The regular follow-up visits with the psychiatrist are schedule to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response.