forensic
What is threat assessment
a process that evaluates the credibility and seriousness of a potential threat, focusing on preventing violence before it occurs
Why are these assessments important
- help prevent violence and harm
- inform safety planning and decision-making
- provide early intervention and support
- enhance community safety and preparedness
areas to evaluate suicide assessment
psychiatric illnnesses, history, individual strengths, psychoocil situation, suicidality and symptoms
What is risk assessment
a process that evaluates the potential impact and likelihood of a threat occurring in a particular environment
purpose: identifying vulnerabilities and helping develop strategies to mitigate risk
Why is suicide risk hard to predict
- low base rate event- statistically rare, even among high- risk populations
- many people with risk factors do not die by suicide, making prediction difficult
- risk factors are nonspecific and common among large populations
Suicide Risk factors
demographic, psychosocial, physical illness, behavioral dimesons, cognitive dimensions, childhood trauma, genetic and familial
Similarities between the above 2
- both aim to prevent harm
- requires gathering relevant information
- use systematic methods for evaluations
- involve collaboration among professionals
Challenges in suicid prediction
false positives: identifying someone as high risk when they won't act
false negatives: missing someone who does go on to attempt or die by suicide
risk assessments often result in over-prediction to err on the side of caution
protective factors
children or family in home
pregnancy
deterrent religious beliefs
life satisfaction
reality testing ability
positive coping skills
positive social support
positive therapeutic relationship
Differences between the 2
focus:
TA- specific person or group
RA- environment or system
Goal:
TA- assess intent and capability to cause harm
RA- evaluate vulnerabilities and consequences
Application:
TA- schools, workplaces, individuals
RA- public safety, cybersecurity, emergency plans
Why still conduct suicide risk assessments
- helps identify people who need support and intervention
- can guide treatment planning and resource allocation
- better safe than sorry-even imperfect assessments can reduce harm
prior suicide attemptor
bipolar disorder
major depression
mixed drug abuse
personality disorder
alcohol abuse, cancer, chronic pain syndrome
Examples
Threat assessment- a student writing violent threats in a journal
Risk Assessment- evaluating the layout of a school for safety vulnerabilities(unlocked doors, lack of surveillance cameras)
Individual contributing factors
neurobiology
impulsiveness
hopelessness
family history
life stressors
suicidal behavior
personality disorder/traits
substance use/abuse
severe medical illness
High risk profile
previous suicide attempts
significant depressive symptoms-hopelessness
male gender
first decade of illness
current substance abuse, poor current work and social functioning
recent hospital discharge