Development of a Checklist for Predicting Suicidality Based on Risk and Protective Factors: The Gwangju Checklist for Evaluation of Suicidality

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to develop a checklist for mental health clinicians to predict and manage suicidality.Methods A literature review of the risk and protective factors for suicide was conducted to develop a checklist for evaluating suicidality.Results The fixed risk factors included sex (male), age (older individuals), history of childhood adversity, and a family history of suicide. Changeable risk factors included marital status (single), economic status (poverty), physical illness, history of psychiatric hospitalization, and history of suicide attempts. Recent discharge from a mental hospital and a recent history of suicide attempts were also included. Manageable risk factors included depression (history and current), alcohol problems (frequent drinking and alcohol abuse), hopelessness, agitation, impulsivity, impaired reality testing, and command hallucinations. Protective factors included responsibility to family, social support, moral objections to suicide, religiosity, motivation to get treatment, ability to cope with stress, and a healthy lifestyle. A final score was assigned based on the sum of the risk and protective factor scores.Conclusion We believe that the development of this checklist will help mental health clinicians to better assess those at risk for suicidal behavior. Further studies are necessary to validate the checklist.

Association between suicidal ideation and cognitive function in young patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder

“…As in previous studies of patients with schizophrenia and the general population, the individuals in this study who had experienced SI showed significantly higher levels of depression and hopelessness (11,(73)(74)(75)(76). A higher general psychopathology PANSS score in patients with SI might be associated with depressive symptoms.…”

“…Hopelessness is a major psychological risk factor and a clinical endophenotype for suicidality in the general population. Hopelessness plays a role in the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and it also mediates the relationship between SI and suicidality ( 75 ). Demoralization, which is associated with hopelessness ( 79 ), is important in the context of the current study, which explored the link between cognitive function and SI.…”

“…Demoralization, which is associated with hopelessness ( 79 ), is important in the context of the current study, which explored the link between cognitive function and SI. People who experience hopelessness tend to isolate themselves and not seek help ( 75 ). Life stressors can reduce the will to live, and it is intuitive that hopelessness plays an important role in the suicidality of patients with schizophrenia ( 79 ).…”

Early maladaptive schemas and the risk of nonsuicidal self-injury in college students: A retrospective study

“…[28] Being male is a high-risk factor for suicidal events. [29] The absence of gender-specific differences in the prevalence of NSSI might be explained by the similarity of negative life events encountered on campus, such as unsatisfactory academic performance, disappointment in love affairs, and finding the postgraduate entrance exam to be stressful. [30]…”

“…[28] Being male is a high-risk factor for suicidal events. [29] The absence of gender-specific differences in the prevalence of NSSI might be explained by the similarity of negative life events encountered on campus, such as unsatisfactory academic performance, disappointment in love affairs, and finding the postgraduate entrance exam to be stressful. [30] After controlling for the variables of school type and family structure, we found that individuals who were the only child in their family were much more likely to commit NSSI than those who were not.…”