Suicidal Tendency

Dr. Ayush PandeyMBBS,PG Diploma

January 10, 2019

March 06, 2020

Suicidal Tendency
Suicidal Tendency

What is suicidal tendency?

Suicide is the act of ending your own life. A person’s inclination towards having suicidal thoughts or ideas is called suicidal tendency.

What are its main associated signs and symptoms?

Though there is no direct way of telling if a person is suicidal, there are some warning signs that we can watch out for like:

  • A person may isolate themselves from company, and express disinterest in routine activities.
  • One may feel lonely, helpless and finds no reason to be happy with their lives.
  • Frequent mood swings are also a sign to watch out for.
  • One may talk more often about death, and may seem to prepare for it or plan it out.
  • A person who has suicidal thoughts can be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or may have other addictions.
  • Feelings of guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness are commonly noted in persons with suicidal tendencies.

What are the main causes?

One cannot give a sole reason as to why someone would want to end their life. However, just like the warning signs, there are some risk factors that can cause a person to have such thoughts.

  • A major loss, physical injury or trauma can trigger suicidal thoughts.
  • Financial problems, lack of professional satisfaction, or work-related problems may also cause a person to develop suicidal tendencies.
  • Someone may also feel suicidal if they are suffering from a major physical or mental illness, or if they have a prolonged unresolved health condition.
  • Family disputes, domestic problems, or conflict with a loved one can make a person feel helpless and suicidal.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Based on one’s behaviour, history and attitude, an expert can diagnose a person with suicidal tendencies. They will take a detailed history of your personal life, health problems, history of medication and any other relevant information.

  • Treating suicidal tendency means treating the cause that is leading to the thoughts.
  • This can be done through various forms of therapy and sometimes medications too may be needed.
  • Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are forms of therapy that can help.
  • Taking care of the underlying physical illness is also important.
  • Medications like anti- depressants may be prescribed If necessary.
  • It is important for a person to inculcate positive lifestyle changes, give up substance abuse, and spend time doing things that make them happy like pursuing a hobby, spending time with friends and family.



References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health [Internet] Bethesda, MD; Suicide Prevention. National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland, United States
  2. Rajiv Radhakrishnan, Chittaranjan Andrade. Suicide: An Indian perspective . Indian J Psychiatry. 2012 Oct-Dec; 54(4): 304–319. PMID: 23372232
  3. Mental Health. Suicidal Behavior. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, D.C. [Internet]
  4. Department of Health Suicide Prevention, Children Ages 10 to 19 Years. New York state Government [Internet]
  5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention [internet], Atlanta (GA): US Department of Health and Human Services; Violence Prevention
  6. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,Washington. Does depression increase the risk for suicide?. HHS Headquarters [Internet]
  7. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Suicide and suicidal behavior
  8. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Suicide and mental illness

Medicines for Suicidal Tendency

Medicines listed below are available for Suicidal Tendency. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.