Which behavioral incident might a clinician inquire about when assessing suicide risk?

Which behavioral incident might a clinician inquire about when assessing suicide risk?

• A. How often do you feel sad?
• B. When was the last time you felt happy?
• C. Exactly how many pills did you take?
• D. What is your favorite activity?

Answer: (C)

In assessing suicide risk, a clinician's inquiry about the exact number of pills taken provides vital information regarding the individual's intent and behavior related to a potential suicide attempt. This question directly addresses any previous self-harming behavior and allows the clinician to gauge the severity of the incident. Understanding the specifics of any suicidal actions taken helps in assessing immediate risk and determining the need for urgent intervention or changes in treatment. In contrast, inquiries about feelings of sadness or happiness, while informative about the individual's emotional state, do not directly assess past behaviors associated with suicidality. Asking about favorite activities can give insight into the person’s interests and level of engagement with life, but it does not effectively address any potential risk factors for suicide. Thus, focusing on the specifics of an actual behavioral incident offers a clearer picture of the immediate risks involved.

In assessing suicide risk, a clinician's inquiry about the exact number of pills taken provides vital information regarding the individual's intent and behavior related to a potential suicide attempt. This question directly addresses any previous self-harming behavior and allows the clinician to gauge the severity of the incident. Understanding the specifics of any suicidal actions taken helps in assessing immediate risk and determining the need for urgent intervention or changes in treatment.

In contrast, inquiries about feelings of sadness or happiness, while informative about the individual's emotional state, do not directly assess past behaviors associated with suicidality. Asking about favorite activities can give insight into the person’s interests and level of engagement with life, but it does not effectively address any potential risk factors for suicide. Thus, focusing on the specifics of an actual behavioral incident offers a clearer picture of the immediate risks involved.