Identification of suicide-risk behavioural patterns
Agitation that comes with anxiety and impulsive behaviour patterns may precede suicide attempts
A new study performed by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) has identified risky behaviour patterns that may precede suicide attempts. Study results showed that agitation and impulsive behaviour in depressed patients were directly linked to them consequently trying to commit suicide. Study concluded that at least 50% of the people displaying those patterns are at risk of trying to kill themselves.
Therefore, because of the very high incidence of suicide among people displaying these patterns, effective prevention measures are “urgently needed”.
During study research, 2.811 patients suffering from depression were evaluated by the ECNP. 628 among them previously attempted to take their own lives.
Certain behavioural patterns were found to be recurrent before attempts. Risky behaviours were found to be linked with at least 50% higher risk of attempt. People displaying reckless driving, promiscuity, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, acting impulsively, lack of consideration about the consequences of their own actions are just a few of the indicators that can often successfully predict suicidal thoughts in depressed people.
“We found that ‘depressive mixed states’ often preceded suicide attempts. A depressive mixed state is where a patient is depressed, but also has symptoms of ‘excitation’, or mania”, Dr. Dina Popovic, one of the study authors, declared.
The research helps spotting and assembling pattern behaviours in suicidal people. This can be of vital importance when it comes to depression-risks awareness and suicide prevention. The ENCP study proves an important point about the “indicators that people should look out for” when knowing someone suffering from depression.
As 800.000 people commit suicide every year, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), displayed “suicide-risk behaviour” needs to be assessed in order to prevent such tragedies.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-34101608
