Summary about Disease
Quasi Suicide Attempt A quasi suicide attempt (also known as a parasuicide) involves deliberate self-harming behaviors that are not intended to result in death. It is often a cry for help or a way to cope with overwhelming emotional distress. The individual engaging in these behaviors may be seeking attention, attempting to influence others, or trying to escape an unbearable situation. These attempts are serious and indicate significant underlying emotional or psychological issues that require professional intervention. While not intended to be fatal, quasi suicide attempts can inadvertently lead to death.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a quasi suicide attempt can include:
Self-cutting (e.g., wrists, arms, legs)
Burning oneself
Scratching
Head banging
Overdosing on non-lethal amounts of medication
Poisoning oneself with a non-lethal substance
Hitting oneself
Pulling out hair
Picking at skin
Making superficial lacerations.
Threatening suicide but taking steps to ensure rescue.
Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or isolation
Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Increased anxiety or agitation
Social withdrawal
Preoccupation with death or dying
Causes
The causes of quasi suicide attempts are multifaceted and can include:
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or substance use disorders
Trauma (e.g., childhood abuse, neglect, witnessing violence)
Relationship problems (e.g., breakups, conflicts)
Social isolation or loneliness
Bullying or peer pressure
Academic or financial stress
Difficulty coping with emotions
Lack of problem-solving skills
History of suicide attempts in the family
Low self-esteem
Identity issues
Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges
Medicine Used
There is no specific "medicine" used to treat a quasi suicide attempt itself. However, medications may be prescribed to address underlying mental health conditions contributing to the behavior. These may include:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines (short-term use), buspirone, and SSRIs can help manage anxiety symptoms.
Mood stabilizers: Lithium, valproic acid, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine are used to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
Antipsychotics: Used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and sometimes mood disorders.
Medications to treat substance use disorders: These vary depending on the substance being abused.
Is Communicable
Quasi suicide attempts are not communicable in the sense of being contagious like an infectious disease. However, suicidal behaviors can sometimes occur in clusters, particularly among vulnerable populations (e.g., adolescents). This is due to factors such as social learning, contagion, and shared environmental stressors.
Precautions
Precautions to take if someone is at risk of quasi suicide attempts include:
Creating a safe environment: Remove potential means of self-harm (e.g., sharp objects, medications, firearms).
Active listening: Listen to the person's feelings and concerns without judgment.
Encouraging professional help: Encourage the person to seek therapy or counseling.
Developing a safety plan: Create a plan with the individual that outlines coping strategies and who to contact in a crisis.
Monitoring: Stay in contact with the person and be aware of any changes in their behavior.
Limiting access to harmful content: Reduce exposure to media that glorifies or sensationalizes suicide.
Promoting healthy coping mechanisms: Encourage healthy activities such as exercise, hobbies, and social interaction.
Education: Learn about mental health and suicide prevention to better understand the issues.
Support: Connect the person with support groups and resources.
Crisis intervention: In a crisis, contact a suicide hotline or emergency services immediately.
How long does an outbreak last?
An "outbreak" of quasi suicide attempts is not the appropriate term. Rather, a person may have a single episode or repeated episodes over time. The duration of the underlying emotional distress or mental health condition can vary greatly depending on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
A quasi suicide attempt is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5. However, clinicians assess the individual's behavior and underlying mental health conditions. The diagnosis process typically involves:
Clinical interview: A thorough assessment of the person's history, symptoms, and current mental state.
Mental status examination: Evaluation of the person's mood, thought processes, and cognitive functioning.
Review of medical history: Examination of any past medical or psychiatric conditions.
Psychological testing: Use of standardized questionnaires to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders.
Collateral information: Gathering information from family members, friends, or other healthcare providers (with the person's consent).
Assessment of suicide risk: Evaluation of the person's suicidal ideation, intent, and plan.
Ruling out medical causes: Excluding any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms leading up to a quasi suicide attempt can vary greatly. Some individuals may experience a gradual increase in distress over weeks or months, while others may have a sudden onset of symptoms triggered by a specific event. The timeline might include:
Weeks/Months Before: Increased stress, anxiety, or depression. Social withdrawal. Changes in sleep or appetite. Increased irritability. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Days Before: Intensified feelings of distress. Preoccupation with death or dying. Giving away possessions. Saying goodbye to loved ones.
Hours Before: Expressing suicidal thoughts or intent. Making preparations for self-harm. Feeling trapped or overwhelmed.
During the Attempt: Engaging in self-harming behaviors. Seeking attention or help. Feeling a sense of relief or release.
After the Attempt: Feelings of shame, guilt, or regret. Relief at being alive. Fear of consequences. Continued distress.
Important Considerations
Seek professional help immediately: Quasi suicide attempts are a sign of serious emotional distress and require professional intervention.
Address underlying mental health conditions: Treatment should focus on identifying and addressing any underlying mental health disorders contributing to the behavior.
Therapy is crucial: Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy) can help individuals develop coping skills, manage emotions, and address underlying trauma.
Safety is paramount: Ensure the person's safety and remove any potential means of self-harm.
Support is essential: Provide ongoing support and encouragement to the person and their family.
Long-term treatment: Recovery from a quasi suicide attempt is often a long-term process that requires ongoing support and treatment.
Prevention is key: Educate yourself and others about mental health and suicide prevention.
Don't minimize the attempt: Take the attempt seriously, even if it appears to be "non-lethal."
Challenge Stigma: Reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide to encourage people to seek help.
Be Aware of Triggers: Identify potential triggers for self-harm and develop strategies to manage them.