David D Nowell PhDwww.DrNowell.com
A challenge….
Risk Assessment & Clients in Crisis
An overview of the day:• Assessment of risk•Mental status examination• Intervention planning• Documentation
Patient at risk?
male
personality
divorce pain
guns
alcohol
David D Nowell PhD
DavidNowell
DavidNowellSeminars
www.DrNowell.com
Psychodynamic Issues
Anxiety mastery
Depression mastery
Capacity to feel real and continuous across time
Edwin Schneidman
• Psychache• Press• Perturbation
Edwin Schneidman
• Psychache (pain)• Press• Perturbation
And so I leave this world, where the heart must either break or turn to lead. Nicolas-Sebastien Chamfort, French writer, d. 1794
I haven’t felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music…for too many years now. I feel guilty beyond words about these things.
Kurt Cobain, musician, d. 1994
I must end it. There's no hope left. I'll be at peace. No one had anything to do with this. My decision totally.
Freddie Prinze, comedian, d. 1977
I feel certain that I'm going mad again. I feel we can't go thru another of those terrible times. And I shan't recover this time. I begin to hear voices.
Virginia Woolf, author, d. 1941
Edwin Schneidman• Psychache (pain)• Press (stress)• Perturbation (agitation)
Edwin Schneidman• Psychache (pain)• Press (stress)• Perturbation (agitation)
When to assess risk?
When to assess risk?
When to assess risk?
When to assess risk?
• At first contact• At any time of loss or uptick in stress • At any follow-up contact with “high
risk” client
SUICIDE PREDICTION vs. SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT
300.4, rule out 296.25
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Predisposing factors
• Older• White• Male• Personality disorder• Substance abuse• Access to guns• Recent stress or public humiliation
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
DSM-IV 5-Axis System
• Axis I• Axis II• Axis III• Axis IV• Axis V
DSM-IV 5-Axis System
• Axis I• Axis II• Axis III• Axis IV• Axis V
• Axis I• Axis II• Axis III• Axis IV• Axis V
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Mood disorders–15% lifetime risk–50 – 70% of all suicides
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Depression
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Bipolar Disorder
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Substance Abuse / Dependence
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Substance Abuse / Dependence–Lifestyle Issues
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Anxiety Disorders
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Schizophrenia
Predisposing Clinical Risk Factors
• Personality disorders–5 – 10% lifetime risk–15 – 25% of all suicides
Borderline Personality and Risk Lifetime rate of suicide - 8.5% With alcohol problems -19% With alcohol problems and major affective disorder -38%
Borderline features which increase risk
• Impulsivity• Hopelessness-despair• Antisocial features • Aloofness• Self-mutilating tendencies• Psychosis
Borderline features which ameliorate risk
• Clinging• Dependency• Use of suicidal behavior to maintain
connections
Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Concurrent Axis I disorder• Over age 40• Recent narcissistic injury / impulsivity
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Failure• Humiliation• Criticism
SUICIDE RISKS IN SPECIFIC DISORDERS
Prior suicide attempt 38.4 0.549 27.5Bipolar disorder 21.7 0.310 15.5Major depression 20.4 0.292 14.6Mixed drug abuse 19.2 0.275 14.7Dysthymia 12.1 0.173 8.6Obsessive-compulsive 11.5 0.143 8.2Panic disorder 10.0 0.160 7.2Schizophrenia 8.45 0.121 6.0Personality disorders 7.08 0.101 5.1Alcohol abuse 5.86 0.084 4.2Cancer 1.80 0.026 1.3
General population 1.0 0.014 0.72
Condition RR %-yr %-Lifetime
Adapted from A.P.A. Guidelines, part A, p. 16
SUICIDE RISKS IN SPECIFIC DISORDERS
General population 1.0 0.014 0.72
Adapted from A.P.A. Guidelines, part A, p. 16
Condition RR %-yr %-Lifetime
SUICIDE RISKS IN SPECIFIC DISORDERS
Prior suicide attempt 38.4 0.549 27.5Bipolar disorder 21.7 0.310 15.5Major depression 20.4 0.292 14.6
Adapted from A.P.A. Guidelines, part A, p. 16
Condition RR %-yr %-Lifetime
SUICIDE RISKS IN SPECIFIC DISORDERS
Dysthymia 12.1 0.17 8.6Panic disorder 10.0 0.16 7.2
Adapted from A.P.A. Guidelines, part A, p. 16
Condition RR %-yr %-Lifetime
COMORBIDITY
In general, the more diagnoses present, the higher the risk of suicide.
COMORBIDITY
In general, the more diagnoses present, the higher the risk of suicide.
Psychological Autopsy of 229 Suicides• 44% had 2 or more Axis I diagnoses• 31% had Axis I and Axis II diagnoses• 50% had Axis I and at least one Axis III
diagnosis• Only 12 % had an Axis I diagnosis with no
comorbidity Henriksson et al, 1993
Predisposing Medical Risk Factors
• Chronic Pain• Chronic illness
Predisposing Family History Risk Factors
Relatives of suicidal subjects have a two-fold increased risk compared to relatives of non-suicidal subjects.
Twin studies indicate a higher concordance of suicidal behavior between identical rather than fraternal twins.
Adoption studies: a greater risk of suicide among biologic rather than adoptive relatives.
Predisposing Demographic Risk Factors
• Male • Older• Lives alone • Widowed / separated • White, or Native American• Access to weapons• Sexual minority (GLBT)
• Mexico 4.0
• Dominican 2.3
• Puerto Rico 7.4
• Colombia 4.9
• S. Korea 31.7
• China 22.3
• India 10.5
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Potentiating Risk Factors
• Recent stressor• Contagion• Recent diagnosis of major illness • Recent relapse of major illness• Hepatitis C treatment
Potentiating Risk Factors
• Recent stressor–Legal Problems–Loss of Job–Relationship issues–Homeless–Finances
Potentiating Risk Factors
• Recent stressor• Contagion• Recent diagnosis of major illness • Recent relapse of major illness• Hepatitis C treatment
Admiral Jeremy Boorda
Choi Jin-sil
Patient at risk?
male
personality
divorce pain
guns
alcohol
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
1 – Item Suicidality Assessment
Specific Suicide Inquiry
• (Current) Ideation• (History of ) Threats• (History of) Attempts
Ideation
• Passive thoughts• Active thoughts
Duration: Frequency: Persistent? Obsessive?
Suicidal ideation
• Able to control suicidal thoughts?• Has made preparations for death?• Has rehearsed?• Command hallucinations?
Suicidal plan:
• No concrete plan but has intent• Plan without means• Plan with means:• Lethality
Suicidal intent:
• No intent but does not feel capable of maintaining safety plan
• Intent related to:–Wish to die–Desire to hurt someone else–Need to escape–Need to punish self
History of threats• Seek collateral information• Determine context of threats
History of attempts• Actions imply gestures vs. intent?• Dangerous/not believed to be lethal?• Dangerous/potentially lethal?• History of self-injurious behavior?
Competency / Capacity
• Psychosis• Impaired judgment• Decompensated• Overwhelmed
Impulsivity
• History of money management?• Impulsive relapses?• Domestic violence?• Abrupt firings from jobs?• How have relationships ended?• History of impulsive suicidality?
Deterrents to suicide
• Religious faith • Hopefulness re: resolution• Ambivalence• Reasons for living• Loved ones• Relationship with therapist
“signs” and “symptoms”
Current risk factors, reported (symptoms)
• Self-report• Collateral data–Records–Significant others, family, friends
Current risk factors, observed (signs)
• mental status examination
Current risk factors, observed
• mental status examination–Behavior–Emotional–Cognitive
90791
ABC STAMPLICKER
ABC STAMPLICKER• appearance
“client appears his stated age…”
ABC STAMPLICKER• behavior
ABC STAMPLICKER• cooperation
ABC STAMPLICKER• speech
ABC STAMPLICKER• thought
ABC STAMPLICKER• Thought–form–content
Common abnormalities of thought form
• Loose associations• Clang• Overinclusiveness• Pressure• Tangentiality
Common abnormalities of thought content
• Delusions• Obsessions• Phobias• Violent ideation.
• Hallucinations (abnormal perception)
ABC STAMPLICKER• affect
Euthymic:
• Calm• Comfortable• Euthymic• Friendly• Normal• Pleasant• Unremarkable
Angry:
• Angry• Bellicose• Belligerent• Confrontational • Frustrated• Hostile• Sullen
• Impatient• Irascible• Irate• Irritable• Oppositional• Outrage
Dysphoric:
• Despondent• Distraught• Dysphoric• Grieving• Hopeless• Overwhelmed• Remorseful• Sad
Terms to describe parameters of affect:
• Appropriateness• Intensity• Range
ABC STAMPLICKER•mood
ABC STAMPLICKER• perception
“sensorium intact…”
PersonPlaceTime
Situation
“Oriented X 3”“O X3”
PersonPlaceTime
Situation
“Oriented X 3”“O X3” “Oriented X 4”
“OX4”
ABC STAMPLICKER• Level of arousal
“Patient is an 89 year old male, A+O x 3, no AH/VH, denies SI/HI.”
ABC STAMPLICKER• insight
Disorders that contribute to impaired insight
• Drug and alcohol dependence• Depression• Mania• Psychosis• Personality
disorders
• Delirium• Dementia• ADHD• Conversion disorder• Factitious disorder
Judgment
• The ability to weigh and compare the relative values of different aspects of an issue.
ABC STAMPLICKER• cognition
ABC STAMPLICKER• Cognition–Attention–Memory
MMSE normsEighth Grade Education
Ages 18 to 69: Median MMSE Score 26-27 Ages 70 to 79: Median MMSE Score 25
Age over 79: Median MMSE Score 23-25 High School Education
Ages 18 to 69: Median MMSE Score 28-29 Ages 70 to 79: Median MMSE Score 27
Age over 79: Median MMSE Score 25-26 College Education
Ages 18 to 69: Median MMSE Score 29 Ages 70 to 79: Median MMSE Score 28 Age over 79: Median MMSE Score 27
Crum (1993) Journal of the American Medical Association
ABC STAMPLICKER• Knowledge
ABC STAMPLICKER• Endings
ABC STAMPLICKER• reliability
Patient at risk?
male
personality
divorce pain
guns
alcohol
Validity techniques in risk assessment
• Behavioral incident• Shame attenuation• Gentle assumption• Symptom amplification• Denial of the specific• Normalization
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Suicide Risk Classification
High risk
Moderate Risk
Low risk
Suicide Risk Classification
High risk
Moderate Risk
Low risk
Suicide Risk Classification
High risk
Moderate Risk
Low risk
Moderate Risk
• Follow-up evaluation of risk• Increased frequency of
outpatient contact.• Involvement of family members,
if possible.• 24 hour availability of crisis
centers• Referral for consideration of
pharmacological tx• Use of telephone contacts to
monitor progress• Safety plan
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Disorder-based (acute)
Personality-based (chronic)
Disorder-based (acute)
Personality-based (chronic)
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic
2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity
3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Competency / Capacity
• Client able to indicate a preference?• Able to weigh the pros/cons of
various options?• Able to apply pros/cons to her own
specific situation?
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity
3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance
4. Plan reassessments
Consultation with others
• When appropriate involve family members in decision making.• Other professionals • Collaboration with the patient
Consultation with others
• When appropriate involve family members in decision making.• Other professionals • Collaboration with the patient
No Harm Contracts
An Alternative Approach: Collaborative approach
Elements of the collaborative approach
• Educate the patient about the uncertainty inherent in treatment.• Underscore the mutual responsibility of
sharing the burden of managing suicidal thoughts.• Directly discuss the risk of death from
suicide.• Discuss risks other than suicide such as
dependence and regression.
• Discuss the patient’s competence or capacity to give informed consent.
• Warn the patient about the serious consequence of not following treatment recommendations.
• Consult with a peer when possible.• Prepare concise documentation of assessment
and treatment planning emphasizing collaboration.
Elements of a safety plan
• How will I know that my risk for self-harm has become more serious?• What are the coping strategies which I
will use if I feel more distressed or sad?• Who can I contact if I need someone to
spent time with and distract me from my distress?
Elements of a safety plan
• Who can I contact if I need to seek support or talk me through difficult feelings?
• Who are the helping professionals to whom I will reach out if I need support? (include contact information; include contacts available on 24 hour basis such as EMH)
• What specific steps will I take to make my home environment safer for me?
Providing Feedback
Feedback approach
–Collaborative–Mutuality–Curiosity
Feedback approach
–Review chief complaints–Add pertinent info re: signs
Feedback approach
–Offer diagnosis• Share attitude of round pegs/square
holes• Emphasize hope
–Request feedback–Offer accurate empathy
Feedback approach
• Feedback provides three types of information for patient–Confirms the obvious–Gently challenges–Doesn’t fit
Feedback approach
• Feedback regarding personality disorder
Oldham & Morris. Personality Self-Portrait
Personality Styles
• Narcissistic• Dependent• Paranoid• Anti-social• Borderline
• Self-confident• Devoted• Vigilant• Adventurous/challenger• Mercurial
Adventurous/Challenger
• Nonconforming• Daring• Mutual independence• Persuasive• Charming• Free lance• No regrets
Mercurial
• Romantic attachment• Intensity• Heart• Unconstraint• Activity• Open mind• Alternate states
Self-Confident
• Self-regard• Red carpet• Ambition• Competition• Stature• Dreams• Poise
Disposition
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention
5. Document the assessment
Documentation
Documentation
4 Reasons to Document Carefully
• Good documentation keeps us out of court• If we must defend our decision-making,
good documentation helps our legal counsel• Good documentation drives good care• Good documentation helps treaters
communicate among ourselves
300.4, rule out 296.25
The Written Report
• Identifying data• HPI / background info• Med hx• Social hx
The Written Report
• MSE • Review of systems–Somatic–Cognitive–Affective
The Written Report
• Impression• Summary–Differential–Contributing factors– Further information needed–Prognosis–Response to referral questions
The Written Report
• Risk Potential– Low/moderate/high– Safety plan (if appropriate to level of risk)
• Treatment Plan• Cost / Benefit Comments re: alternate
treatments
How to Use the Form Provided Today
CSSRS.COLUMBIA.EDU
Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)
Clinical examples
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Disposition
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Disposition
Determine level of intervention1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention5. Document the assessment
Risk Assessment & Management
Overview of risk assessment protocol1. Identify predisposing factors2. Examine potentiating factors3. Conduct a specific suicide inquiry4. Determine level of intervention
1. Acute versus chronic2. Evaluate competence and impulsivity3. Assess therapeutic alliance4. Plan reassessments
5. Document the assessment
Risk Management Guidelines
Documentation
• Evidence of an “assessment of risk”
Information on Previous Treatment
• The past is the best predictor of the future. • All available sources of information
should be pursued.
Involvement of the Family & Significant Others
• Good sources of collateral data and integral components of the patient’s support system.
Consultation on Present Circumstances
• Two perspectives are always better than one when assessing risk.
“Good care”
• Intervention appropriate to the level of risk
• Intervention in timely manner
Knowledge of Community Resources
• Crisis numbers, in-patient options, substance abuse resources. • Documentation that these sources
have been discussed.
The 4Ds of Malpractice
• A doctor-patient relationship creating a DUTY of care must be present.
• DEVIATION from the standard of care must have occurred
• DAMAGE to the patient must have occurred.
• The damage must have occurred DIRECTLY as result of deviation from the standard of care.
Malpractice
• Failure to take adequate protective measures• Early patient release• Abandonment
When a Suicide Occurs
Ensure that the patient’s records are complete
Be available to assist grieving family members
Remember the medical record is still official and confidentiality still exists
Seek support from colleagues / supervisors
Consult risk managers
Assessment of Risk for Violence
Clinical features associated with risk for violence
• Has threatened harm• Entertains thoughts of violence• Has access to means/weapons• Has taken steps to secure means• Reports command hallucinations
Clinical features associated with risk for violence
• History of Paranoid Schizophrenia• Recent ETOH/drug abuse• Quarreling• Intense jealousy• Habitual rage response• Childhood fire setting/cruelty to animals• Violence in family of origin
Legal history associated with risk for violence
• Reckless use of a weapon
• Destruction of property
• Has been stalking or harassing others
Risk Potential
• Low–Denies current violent or homicidal
ideation, no indicators evident.• Moderate–Violent/homicidal ideation without
intent.• High–Strong ideation with intent.
Risk Potential
• Low (Potential)
• Moderate (Urgent)
• High (Emergent)
Risk Potential
• Potential– Rules– Physical indicators– Boundaries
Risk Potential
• Urgent– Curious compassionate
nonjudgmental– Behind all anger is hurt– One: one– Win-win– Offer incompatible behavior
Risk Potential
• Emergent– Escape– Five: one– Debrief
Risk Assessment in Schools
• Targeted violence versus general aggression
Risk Assessment in Schools
• Profiling• Structured clinical assessment• Automated decision making /
actuarial formulas
Risk Assessment in Schools• Profiling• Structured clinical assessment• Automated decision making /
actuarial formulas
Risk Assessment in Schools• Profiling• Structured clinical assessment• Automated decision making / actuarial
formulas
Risk Assessment in Schools
• Threat assessment approach
Risk Assessment in Schools
• Threat assessment approach–“making a threat”–“posing a threat”
Risk Assessment in Schools
• Threat assessment approach–Perpetrator–Situation–Target–Setting
10 Elements of Threat Assessment
1. motivation for the behavior at hand2. communication about ideas and
intentions;3. unusual interest in targeted violence; 4. evidence of attack-related behaviors
and planning;
10 Elements of Threat Assessment
5. mental condition;6. level of cognitive sophistication or
organization to execute an attack plan; 7. recent losses (including losses of
status); 8. consistency between communications
and behaviors;
10 Elements of Threat Assessment
9. concern by others about the individual’s potential for harm; and
10. factors in the individual’s life and/or environment that might increase or decrease the likelihood of attack.
A challenge….
David D Nowell PhD
Let’s stay in touch!
Join my e-newsletter list:
• Fill out a card today and drop it in the box.
• Text to join: text DNSEMINARS to 22828
• Sign up at www.DrNowell.com
Top Related