Suicide Assessment and Prevention in Early Psychosis-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this webinar on suicide assessment and prevention in early psychosis, Dr. Tara Needham discusses critical risk factors and strategies to manage suicide risks effectively. Hosted by Stanford University and facilitated by esteemed psychiatrists, the session focuses on assessing and intervening with populations at risk, specifically addressing young adults with psychosis.<br /><br />Dr. Needham, an Associate Professor at UC Davis, underscores the prevalence of suicide risks among individuals with schizophrenia and early psychosis. She highlights that proactive strategies are essential as reactive responses often fall short. The discussion also covers the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS), an effective tool for assessing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This scale helps clinicians distinguish between ideation and actual suicidal behavior, a crucial step in treatment planning.<br /><br />In evaluating risk, Dr. Needham distinguishes between distal (long-term) and proximal (short-term) risk factors, noting the importance of understanding each person's unique risk profile. Factors like gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and previous mental health experiences can all play a role. She advocates for a compassionate yet systematic approach to assessing these risks, paired with the creation of a Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), which provides clients with a structured plan to manage immediate crises.<br /><br />Dr. Needham also advises on creating safer environments, modifying access to lethal means, and the importance of social support. Throughout, she stresses the importance of using these tools in conjunction with clinical judgment and continuous consultation among mental health teams to provide comprehensive care and support for those at risk.

Keywords

suicide assessment

early psychosis

risk factors

suicide prevention

young adults

schizophrenia

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

Safety Planning Intervention

mental health

social support

clinical judgment