Which factor is considered when determining a patient is at high risk for suicide?

Which factor is considered when determining a patient is at high risk for suicide?

• A. Attempted suicide two years ago
• B. Father committed suicide at age 45
• C. Reports excessive reliance upon alcohol
• D. There are no risk factors

Answer: (A)

The strongest predictor of suicide risk is a previous suicide attempt. When someone has attempted suicide in the past, it signals that they have already separated intent from action and may have ongoing vulnerability, access to means, or underlying conditions that can re-emerge. Even if the attempt occurred years ago, it remains a powerful indicator and typically elevates risk more than other factors. Other factors, like a family member dying by suicide, can raise risk but aren’t as predictive for the individual as their own history. Similarly, heavy alcohol use is a known risk factor that can increase impulsivity and worsen mood, but it doesn’t carry the same predictive weight as a prior personal attempt. So, recognizing a past suicide attempt as the strongest risk factor helps explain why it flags high risk in this scenario.

The strongest predictor of suicide risk is a previous suicide attempt. When someone has attempted suicide in the past, it signals that they have already separated intent from action and may have ongoing vulnerability, access to means, or underlying conditions that can re-emerge. Even if the attempt occurred years ago, it remains a powerful indicator and typically elevates risk more than other factors.

Other factors, like a family member dying by suicide, can raise risk but aren’t as predictive for the individual as their own history. Similarly, heavy alcohol use is a known risk factor that can increase impulsivity and worsen mood, but it doesn’t carry the same predictive weight as a prior personal attempt. So, recognizing a past suicide attempt as the strongest risk factor helps explain why it flags high risk in this scenario.