Behavioral Science

CHAPTER 9
Suicide
SUICIDE
What is important to keep in mind
when approaching the topic of suicide
on the United States Medical Licensing
Exam (USMLE) Step 1?
Where does suicide rank as a cause of
death in the United States?
What are risk factors for committing
suicide?
Who commits suicide more frequently,
men or women?
There is only a limited amount of
information that you will be asked
regarding suicide. Always think safety
first when given a question regarding a
psychiatric disorder. Statistics,
demographics, and risk factors, and
comorbid medical disorders will
probably be the focus of the exam
content. Many of the questions will
come in the form of a case scenario
written to ascertain if you know the
correlation between suicide and
comorbid mental health diagnoses such
as depression, bipolar disorder, and/or
chemical dependence.
As of 2002, suicide ranks 10th as the
leading cause of death.
White male, >65 years old
Gun in the house or easy access to
firearms
Comorbid depression, substance abuse,
and/or other psychiatric illness
Recent loss or stressor
Serious medical illness
Feelings of hopelessness and
impulsivity
Men are four times more likely to
complete suicide, though women are
more likely to attempt suicide.
65