Definition of Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is defined as having thoughts of suicide. It is a medical term used when an individual has contemplated suicide but has made no present plans of actually committing suicide.

Risk Factors

• Certain risk factors, such as psychiatric and medical disorders, can increase the ideation of suicide. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the most common psychiatric disorders leading to suicide are major depression and substance abuse.

Symptoms

• Individuals with suicidal ideation can have various degrees of symptoms that include the feeling of hopelessness, inability to have pleasure, insomnia, severe anxiety, difficulty concentrating and panic attacks.

Evaluation

• The techniques used to evaluate an individual with suicidal thoughts include a medical history for pre-existing suicidal ideation, physical examination and psychiatric evaluation.

Treatment

• Treatment options for suicidal ideation include therapy (both individual and/or family), substance abuse treatment, medication (antidepressants) and hospitalization in severe situations.

Facts

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the rate of suicide is 11.2 per 100,000 people, making suicide the ninth-leading cause of death. Previously more prevalent in the elderly, the incidence of suicide has tripled in adolescent and young adult age groups since 1955.